There will be blood.

Bristol and Warren firefighters will battle it out this weekend to see who among them ... can collect the most blood?

The second annual Bristol and Warren Fire Departments blood donation challenge, a friendly competition, promises to bring hope to several Rhode Islanders and their families. The Bristol and Warren Fire Departments are holding blood drives Saturday, Oct. 6 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at their individual fire headquarters – Training Room at the Bristol Fire Department, Annawamscutt Drive, Bristol; and on the donor coach at the Warren Fire Department, 1 Joyce St., Warren.

This year, each department has called in reinforcements in the form of the Civil Air Patrol in Warren and Girl Scout Troop 480 in Bristol, both of which are assisting the fire departments.

Last year, the two fire department combined for 87 donations, potentially saving the lives of nearly 270 individuals. Since three distinct products are made from each blood donation — plasma, platelets and red cells — each donation has the potential to save three lives.

Representatives from both departments said friendly competition between the two departments has gone on for more than four decades, from who can put on the best clambake to sports competitions. But both agree the real winners on Oct. 6 will be the blood recipients whose lives will be saved as a result of blood donations.

Fire departments statewide have become increasing active in hosting blood drives, understanding firsthand the need, and helping the Rhode Island Blood Center collect the 280 pints of blood each day to meet the needs of those hospitalized within our community.