On the cold March morning of 1890 a fire raged. It threatened to consume Vila Nova de Famalicão. The Bombeiros Voluntários de Vila Nova de Famalicão faced their biggest challenge yet. Their small force was overwhelmed. Help arrived from Porto Braga and Barcelos. The fire was eventually contained. But not before destroying three buildings and damaging two more.
The Bombeiros Voluntários de Vila Nova de Famalicão’s story began in response to this devastating event. One hundred and three men formed a humanitarian association. They established the Bombeiros Voluntários de Vila Nova de Famalicão on May 6th 1890. Their statutes were approved that same month. The association then elected its officers and command.
Daniel Augusto dos Santos was elected president. Silvério Ferreira de Macedo was the vice president. Francisco Mesquita Correia Guimarães and Manuel Pinto de Sousa were secretaries. Guilherme Teixeira Folhadela took the role of treasurer. Joaquim José Sousa Fernandes headed the General Assembly. Higino Veloso de Macedo and António Vicente de Carvalho Leal e Sousa Júnior served as secretaries. Francisco Maria de Oliveira e Silva and Augusto Teixeira Folhadela were named commanders.
Initially meetings took place in private homes. Eventually the Bombeiros Voluntários de Vila Nova de Famalicão acquired a building at Campo da Feira. This became their headquarters and fire station. The association’s first intervention was on June 22nd 1890. They fought a fire in a shop on Rua de Santo António. The shop was owned by the association’s vice president Silvério Ferreira de Macedo.
The Bombeiros Voluntários de Vila Nova de Famalicão’s reputation grew. They even invited Infante D. Afonso brother of King D. Carlos to be their honorary commander. In 1901 they moved to a larger building on Rua Adriano Pinto Basto. This became their headquarters for over fifty years. King D Carlos granted them the title of “Real” association in 1903. Their service was highly regarded. They were praised for their work fighting a fire at Camilo Castelo Branco’s house.
By 1926 the Bombeiros Voluntários de Vila Nova de Famalicão had acquired their first fire truck. The Berliet truck and a Delahaye pump were bought with public donations and a contribution from Antonio Dias Costa who offered the chassis. This marked a significant advancement in their ability to fight fires. Internal conflicts arose in 1927 leading to the formation of a separate fire association. But the Bombeiros Voluntários de Vila Nova de Famalicão persevered. In 1934 they received the insignia of the Military Order of Christ.
The Bombeiros Voluntários de Vila Nova de Famalicão continued to evolve. They even trained for gas attacks during World War II. They purchased new hoses and uniforms. They replaced their Berliet and Minerva cars with Packard cars. In 1940 they were awarded the Commander’s rank of the Order of Merit by President Óscar Carmona. They celebrated their golden anniversary (Bodas de Ouro) three years later in 1943 after renovations to their headquarters. They also received a gold medal from the League of Portuguese Firefighters in 1944.
The Bombeiros Voluntários de Vila Nova de Famalicão faced many challenges. A fire at the town hall in 1952 tested their skills. Later in 1952 another fire at the Conde de S Cosme schools destroyed historic documents. The association continued to improve its facilities. In 1958 they moved to a new headquarters after numerous attempts to secure building permits and funds. They celebrated their diamond anniversary (Bodas de Diamante) in 1966 at their new location. Commander Fernando Soares who served for over 40 years was honored in 1992. In 1990 they celebrated their centennial with a new modern fire station. The Bombeiros Voluntários de Vila Nova de Famalicão’s legacy continues to this day. They remain a vital part of the community.