Limassol, Cyprus. TechIsland has presented the first-year results of its €2 million Wildfire Initiative, launched after the devastating wildfires of 2025 and expanded into a long-term programme covering prevention, preparedness, early detection and recovery.
The initiative has secured funding for small fire engines for 45 communities and introduced a free mobile application for wildfire reporting, alerts and fire-safety information.
Wildfire impact and emergency response
The fires burned more than 100 square kilometres of forest, destroyed 191 homes in 15 villages and claimed two lives, according to figures presented by TechIsland. The fires were among the most destructive in Cyprus’ history.
The wildfire of July 23, 2025, in mountainous Limassol caused damage to homes, property, businesses, farms, infrastructure and the natural environment.
More than 60 companies and individuals responded to TechIsland’s emergency appeal within days, raising approximately €2 million to support affected residents and communities.
Programme expansion
As immediate needs changed, the initiative developed from emergency assistance into a wider social impact programme involving the private sector, the state, scientists, local authorities and volunteers.
Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said on Thursday that TechIsland had committed €450,000 to cover the share of funding for small fire engines not financed by the government.
The vehicles will be provided at no cost to 45 communities across Cyprus. Ioannou said they would give local communities a tool to respond during the first critical moments of a fire before the arrival of the Fire Service and other emergency crews.
Speaking at the official launch of the TechIsland Wildfire Initiative in Limassol, Ioannou thanked TechIsland president Valentinos Polykarpou, the association’s board and management, the initiative committee, companies, donors, partners and volunteers. He said TechIsland is the largest association of technology companies in Cyprus.
SafeIsland CY application
SafeIsland CY, a free mobile application for iOS and Android, is available to the public. It enables people in Cyprus to report signs of wildfires, receive nearby alerts and access fire-safety information through an interactive map.
The app was developed by Brickworks Games as part of the TechIsland Wildfire Initiative and was presented publicly for the first time on July 23 at The Warehouse by IT Quarter in Limassol.
