Exhibition “Portimão Firefighters – 100 Years of Service to the Community”

On 15 November at 16:00, the Portimão Museum will inaugurate the exhibition commemorating the Centenary of the Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters of Portimão, inviting the community to explore a century of history, service, and dedication to the public.

Through historical photographs, documents, equipment, vehicles, decorations, and other objects, the exhibition showcases the evolution of the institution from the early efforts to organise a fire brigade in the city in 1903, to the founding of the Association in 1926, and its transformation over the decades.

More than just recounting the history of firefighters, this exhibition is also a journey through the history of Portimão and its people, highlighting the crucial role of the men and women who, over generations, have dedicated their lives to protecting and assisting the community. From volunteering to current specialised capabilities, the journey reveals the evolution of resources, equipment, and response capabilities to various emergency situations. It also marks significant moments, such as the integration of women into the operational structure in 1991, and pays tribute to the memory of firefighters who lost their lives in service.

Promoted by the Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters of Portimão, with the support of the Municipality of Portimão, through the Portimão Museum, and the Costume Museum of São Brás de Alportel, the exhibition celebrates a hundred years of an institution that remains essential to the community, driven by the values of courage, competence, and selflessness.