What this old man observed on the pavement shocked him.

In Pedróg Grande, Portugal, firefighter Pedro Bras captured a heartrending moment of his colleagues’ brief respite during a severe forest fire, and shared it on Facebook. The photo, showing exhausted firefighters resting by a river after a grueling 24-hour shift, rapidly went viral with over 9,000 reactions, 1,300 comments, and 5,900 shares. This image powerfully highlighted the firefighters’ dedication amidst the country’s battle against devastating forest fires.

Currently, 1,150 firefighters are tirelessly working to control these fires, which have already injured 25 people and caused extensive damage. Pedro’s photo, amidst smoke and intense heat reaching 116 degrees Fahrenheit, poignantly illustrates the harsh conditions and the relentless commitment of these heroes.

The public’s reaction to the photo was one of profound admiration and concern. Comments from individuals like Manja Knofel, who referred to every firefighter as a hero, and Sweetie Racch from Paris, who spoke of their deserving “rest and praise,” mirror the global appreciation for their sacrifices.

Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa also acknowledged the firefighters’ exhaustive efforts and the risks they face, reminiscent of the previous year’s tragic fires that resulted in 114 fatalities. The incident underlines the ongoing dangers and challenges these brave individuals confront daily.