Firefighters of Alytus

On October 16, 2019, a devastating fire took place at the Ekologistika tire recycling/storage facility in Alytus, Lithuania.  It took firefighters more than a week to extinguish the fire.  Initially lacking the needed fire safety equipment, the firefighters nevertheless bravely and selflessly battled the fire.  A large portion of the roof of the facility collapsed making the conditions even more perilous and difficult for the firefighters. Poisonous levels of chemicals from the burning tires were released into the air and water and scientists and doctors have since released reports indicating the dangerously toxic levels of chemicals and substances subsequently found in the firefighters and environment.  The International Sister Cities of Rochester, NY has a sister cities relationship with the city of Alytus and its Alytus-Rochester Sister Cities Committee is raising funds for the firefighters of Alytus to help them cope with any resulting health issues.  The funds are needed to help the firefighters and their families offset any potential losses to income as a result of the time needed to seek treatment. Our campaign is seeking to raise funds for each firefighter (45 firefighters).