As Cyprus grapples with the aftermath of one of its worst wildfire disasters in decades, a new grassroots tool is empowering citizens to track and report fires as they unfold. Developed in response to the recent Limassol wildfires and the broader growing threat of climate-fueled fire events, Cyprus Fire Watch is a free, community-driven web app that helps residents stay alert and connected through real-time wildfire mapping.
In the Wake of Disaster
In late July, a fast-moving wildfire swept through the Limassol district, claiming the lives of two people, destroying homes, and forcing the evacuation of at least 14 villages. The fire, reportedly fueled by a record-breaking heatwave and strong winds, burned more than 100 square kilometers of land. Over 250 firefighters were deployed, alongside 14 aircraft, with support arriving from neighbouring countries including Greece, Jordan, and Israel.
Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram
While authorities have since brought the fire under control, the scale and speed of the devastation left many feeling powerless, unable to act or even track where the fire was moving next.
Local Tech Founders Respond
In the days that followed, the founders of legal AI startup Formulaw.ai, Violetta Skittidi and Ramzi Edward Khoury, built a real-time wildfire tracking platform: Cyprus Fire Watch.
The web-based tool allows residents to view and report fire activity across the island, creating a live, user-updated map that helps people stay informed and respond more quickly during emergencies.
How Cyprus Fire Watch Works
The platform is accessible via any browser at fotiamap.com, requiring no registration, download, or subscription. Its interface is designed for speed and simplicity.
Getting Started:
- Allow location access to receive personalized alerts about nearby fires
- View real-time fire reports marked with 🔥 icons on the map
- Click fire markers to see report details and timestamps
- Use the location button (top-right) to center the map on your position
Reporting a Fire:
- Tap “Report Fire” in the bottom panel
- Drop a pin on the map where the fire is located
- Confirm the location to share the report with others
Each report is visible to the wider public, allowing Cyprus residents to stay informed about fire activity and contribute to community safety through crowdsourced reporting.
Why It Matters
Cyprus Fire Watch is not an emergency alert system, and it does not replace official government warnings. It is also not a technological fix for the climate crisis. But it may help residents react faster, navigate more safely, or warn neighbours in moments when response time matters.
As wildfires become more frequent across Southern Europe, community-led technologies like this are increasingly filling the space between panic and preparedness.
