ADVANCE – There will be no barbecue this Friday at the Advance Fire Department.

But area residents are encouraged to drive by on Fire Station  Road to make a donation. Proceeds will be donated to fire departmAAents and firefighters in the mountains of North Carolina.

“One fire department was completely wiped out,” said Ronnie Robertson,A long-time firefighter and officer in Advance. “If we can collect some money, we can help some of those fire departments.”

Some of the Advance firefighers and equipment are already in the mountains, doing what they can to help people displaced and isolated because of floods, mudslides, and damaged bridges and roads. A tanker and team of firefighters has already been deployed, and a drone team with pilots is on standby.

That potential lack of help at the barbecue is just one of the reasons the decision was made to cancel, Robertson said.

Another reason: It’s the right thing to do.

“We need to support these critical missions and assist with the safety of those communities affected,” he said. “Our hearts and efforts are focused on helping our fellow firefighters and communities in need.”

Volunteers will be at the road collecting donations beginning at 8 a.m. Friday. Robertson suggests folks donate at least as much as they would have spent on a pound or two of barbecue.

“Local fire departments in western North Carolina have lost everything,” he said. “Every penny counts, and no donation is too small.”

Check the fire department website for an upcoming link to make online donations.