FOREST FIRES IN PORTUGAL
We have set up the national network of Knights and friends of the Templar Corps, in order to supply basic goods to the fire fighters who have been working continuously for several days. We gathered food, water, medical supplies and clothing. In the first 24h we were able to send over 9 tons of material through network to the front of the Operational Theatre.
LEADERSHIP INVOLVED:
General Coordination:
F+ Luis de Matos, KGCTJ Chancellor of the OSMTHU
F+ Victor Varela Martins, KCTJ Commander of Lagos of the GP Portugal OSMTHU
Logistical and Operational Coordination:
F+ Jorge Amador, KTJ, Vice-National Commander Relief/Humanitarian Efforts do Templar Corps
Fr+ Miguel Novais, KSTJ, Leiria
Local support:
Fr+ Nuno Moreira, KSTJ, Alcochete
JOURNAL OF THE OPERATION
SEPTEMBER 16
21:17
A decision is made about creating an Appeal to help Firefights at the Operational Theatre. Deaths have been reported and multiple houses were destroyed by fire. Most Firefighters have been in the forest for over 48h. About 2.000 man are deployed by Civil Protection authorities. In the next few days this number would go up to 5.000.
22:00
Internal zoom call to set the terms of the Appeal. Needs are assessed and a final text is written.
23:43
The appeal is published on Templar Corps social media and website.
SEPTEMBER 17
10:30
The logistical arrangements are finalized and a few Firefighter corporations agree to collaborate in the Appeal.
16:20
The Appeal is updated and republished on social media.
23:00
The appeal is sent by email to Templar Corps, OSMTHU and Secular Templi members in Portugal.
SEPTEMBER 18
Past 9:00
Donations gathered by members of the Templar Corps, OSMTHU and Secular Templi start arriving at the Logistic Outposts in Algarve, Alcochete and Camarate. All means of transportation are used.
10:00
Firefighters of Moita, Setubal, agree to be an added point of delivery in the Lisbon region, in view of the overwhelming mobilization that was being achieved. At the end of the afternoon the goods will be transported to Alcochete. The new delivery point is published on Templar Corps social media. Donations start arriving in Moita.
13:42
S+ Ilda Moutinho, DSTJ and F+ Hugo Miguel, KSTJ under the guidance of Commander and F+ Victor Varela Martins, KCTJ, set a Telegram Channel with up to the minute information about what roads and highways have been cut by authorities. Over 12 major roads were cut off at his point.
Past 15:00
Donations gathered by members of the Templar Corps, OSMTHU and Secular Templi keep arriving at the Logistic Outposts in Algarve, Alcochete and Camarate.
18:21
Message by Fr+ Sérgio Ferreira, KSTJ:
Donation made in collaboration with Geezy, Continente de São Marcos (Sintra), and TemplarCorps. Delivered to the Camarate Firefighters. And you, have you made your contribution yet?
Our firefighters are urgently in need of water and other basic products. Helping those who defend us is not a right, it’s a duty!
18:30
Donations are sorted, piled in pallets and protected to prepare shipping.
20:00
A truck loaded with nine pallets is transported from Alcochete, Setubal, to Camarate, Lisbon, ready to be distributed in the affected areas at the north.
22:49
Message from Fr+ Nuno Moreira, KSTJ, coordinator of the Operation in Alcochete, Setubal:
As the local representative of the Templar Corps International, and on behalf of all the Templar Brothers, I would like to thank the Alcochete Volunteer Firefighters, particularly their President, José Carlos Costa, for all the willingness shown so that together we could successfully carry out this humanitarian mission.
A tiring day comes to an end with a sense of duty fulfilled. Nine pallets of donations were collected to be sent to the firefighters who are battling the fires devastating northern Portugal. A huge thank you to the Alcochete Volunteer Firefighters for their logistical support and for providing space in their station. A very special thank you to Mr. Francisco Nini for his willingness to provide transportation for the donations to the Camarate Volunteer Firefighters station. A heartfelt thanks to all my Templar Brothers and to Templar Corps International.
It feels good to do good.
Non Nobis Domine Non Nobis Sed Nomine Tuo Da Gloriam.
SEPTEMBER 19
9:45
Thank you message by the Alcochete Firefighters:
The Alcochete Volunteer Firefighters served as the logistical hub for receiving essential goods, which were then transported to the areas of operation. Yesterday, a truck carrying essential supplies departed for the regions affected by the fires.
The appeal strictly refers to these essential goods in kind. We are not accepting monetary donations.
We ask that no one goes to the fire-affected areas.
We thank the Templar Corps International for the solidarity shown, as well as for their organization and support. (…)
17:00
Thank you letter from Fr+ Victor Varela Martins, KCTJ, National Commander Relief/Humanitarian Efforts Portugal
Dear Friends:
The Templar Corps International wishes to tank the Volunteer Firefighter Corps of:
Ajuda
Alcochete
Camarate
Moita, to their respective Boards, Commanders, volunteers, and members;
To MedyAmbulances, Lagoa;
To the NaturBoticae Clinic, Lagos;
To CONTINENTE in Sintra;
To the company TOFRASANS, owned by Mr. Francisco Nini from Alcochete;
To the ever-generous population of various villages who immediately, opportunely, voluntarily, and charitably responded to the call issued by Templar Corps and to the various entities that responded and cooperated with donations, providing storage space, and offering local logistical support.
This is an exceptional, sad, and painful time, but the ability of our local communities to transcend and cooperate gives hope that not everything is lost, and that the lives lost were not and will not be in vain! The best way to honor them is by doing what needs to be done. The tireless work of the firefighters must have continued support!
In our role, the Templar Corps International will remain attentive and cooperative, as always!
A thank you to our Templar Corps volunteers who answered the call, and in particular, recognition to the Knights and Dames of the Order of the Temple who coordinated the entire effort over the past two days in various areas. The immediate mission set out has been fulfilled.
From issuing alerts and information, coordinating donation collection points, managing distribution and transport logistics, maintaining institutional relationships with donors, liaising with the Firefighter Corps, handling strategy and technical support, to overseeing communications and monitoring the situation around the clock— for all this and much more, the involved Knights and Dames deserve recognition and demonstrate that Templar Chivalry is alive today!
Thank you to:
KTJ Jorge Amador, 2nd National Commander TCI
KSTJ Miguel Novais Ribeiro
KSTJ Nuno Moreira
KTJ João Rafael Gonçalves
DTJ Zezinha Viegas
DSTJ Ilda Moutinho
KSTJ Hugo Miguel Rodrigues
KTJ Rui Rocha
KSTJ Sérgio Ferreira
DSTJ Lídia Antunes
KSTJ José Lemos, who, each with their own availability and skills, embraced the missions assigned to them, in some cases putting their knowledge and experience at the service of Templar Chivalry and TemplarCorps.
To all the other Brothers, I know many remained in reserve, as a strategic backup, ready to assume functions if called upon. To everyone, thank you!!!
This is Chivalry in action, the Temple is fulfilled by coordinated and ordered action around the Axis, and that is our Service.
For the greater glory of God.
Victor Varela Martins
TemplarCorps International
National Commander / Relief and Humanitarian Efforts Portugal
