Although Storm Kristin caused serious damage to the four Pombal Fire Department stations and compromised roofs and communications, we have never failed the community. Your support is needed to continue protecting and saving lives, always.
When Storm Kristin hit the municipality of Pombal, our firefighters did what they always do: they responded without hesitation.
In the days that followed, many of our firefighters left their own homes—some of which were also seriously damaged—to assist the population, clear roads, respond to emergencies, and support families whose homes were affected. While protecting the community, our fire stations also suffered significant damage.
At the headquarters in Pombal, the storm severely damaged the roof, harming the waterproofing membrane and causing constant leaks. Currently, it is raining in the dormitories where the firefighters rest, in the emergency coordination center, in offices, and in the training room, seriously compromising operational capacity, equipment safety, and the well-being of the firefighters.
At the Louriçal and Albergaria-dos Doze barracks, the roofs suffered significant structural damage, requiring urgent intervention to prevent the situation from worsening. At the Guia barracks, the storm damaged the roof and essential infrastructure for operational communications, which are fundamental to ensuring a rapid and effective response in emergency situations.
Despite all these difficulties, firefighters have never ceased to fulfill their mission. Yesterday as today, they continue to respond to incidents, at any time, under any conditions. However, the truth is simple and unavoidable: it is not possible to guarantee a safe, effective and continuous emergency service without facilities in decent and functional condition.
This campaign stems from this real and urgent need. We need funding to recover from the damage caused by Storm Kristin and to ensure that the Pombal Volunteer Fire Department stations remain operational, safe, and prepared to protect more than 60,000 people.
Every contribution, regardless of the amount, represents a concrete step towards ensuring that firefighters remain ready when the community needs them most. Because protecting is a collective mission, by supporting this campaign you are helping to ensure that the Pombal Volunteer Firefighters continue to save lives safely and with dignity.
Contribute. Share. Be part of this mission. A mission of Heroes for You!
About the author
For 114 years, the Pombal Volunteer Firefighters Humanitarian Association has stood by its community. A constant, silent, and determined presence in times of fire, accidents, medical emergencies, and extreme events. For over a century, we have never failed in our mission.
Today, the Fire Department consists of approximately 150 firefighters, men and women who, both voluntarily and professionally, ensure the daily protection of an area of 626.36 km², encompassing 17 parishes and approximately 60,000 inhabitants. This is a demanding territory, crossed by some of the country's most important road axes—such as the A1, IC2, A17, N109, and IC8—where every incident requires speed, preparation, and responsiveness.
In 2025, we recorded an average of 28 incidents per day, many of them pre-hospital emergencies, where every minute is crucial. These numbers are not just statistics: they represent lives, families, and a community that increasingly depends on its firefighters.
Despite this, what is often unseen is everything that lies behind this response.
Firefighters don't just exist during forest fire season. They are present every day, continuously working on prevention, training, citizenship, and solidarity. Their work is often invisible, but absolutely essential for the safety of the region.
What do they do? They save lives.
How do they do it? With dedication, courage, and a sense of mission.
How are they valued? Not always as much as they deserve.
Despite this, the emergency response provided in the region is recognized as being of excellent quality, ensured by highly trained men and women who are increasingly prepared and committed to serving well.
Supporting this campaign is more than just contributing to the rehabilitation of buildings.
It is to recognize the human, social, and community value of those who, for more than a century, have never failed to be present when most needed.
Budget and due dates
The interventions will begin as soon as the minimum amounts required for each project are raised, and will proceed in phases so as not to compromise the operational response.
The funds raised will be used as follows:
- €2,500 - Roof restoration at Albergaria dos Doze
- €8,520 — Repair of the roof of the Guia barracks, including the replacement of the flagpole and operational communications.
- €16,230 — Replacement of the roof of the Louriçal Barracks
- €132,473 — Removal and new waterproofing of the roof of the Headquarters in Pombal
- €10,000 - Refurbishment of the training room at the Headquarters in Pombal
Total campaign goal: €169,723.
Phased scheduling
- Guia Barracks and Albergaria dos Doze: 2 to 3 weeks
- Louriçal Barracks: 3 to 4 weeks
- Headquarters: 4 to 6 weeks
Images
