Cyprus wildfires prompt investigation into fire response delays

by Featured NewsWildland Fire

Cyprus faces questions after deadliest fire in decades

The government of Cyprus has come under scrutiny following the deadliest wildfires in the country in 20 years, according to reporting by Politico.

The fire broke out earlier this month in Limassol, Cyprus’s second-largest city, killing two people and destroying homes and agricultural land.

Despite an increase in firefighting resources, the government’s early warning system failed to activate, and locals said evacuation guidance was unclear.

The government had planned to upgrade the warning system by 2024 but cancelled the contract following a legal dispute, delaying its implementation.

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides said on national television: “At a critical moment like this, the government did not respond as it should have. … I apologise.”

Early warning system failure linked to legal delays

Cypriot authorities said the current emergency alert system was due for replacement, but the upgrade process has been stalled since 2022.

The Interior Ministry awarded a contract to a private provider, but competing companies challenged the decision.

Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou explained the process had to be restarted in May 2024, pushing back implementation to 2026.

Ioannou said: “If something goes wrong, it does not necessarily mean that the political superior is responsible.”

The planned system, once operational, will issue mass text alerts and assist emergency responders in locating callers.

Government denies negligence amid public dissatisfaction

Government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said all response protocols were activated despite “unprecedented conditions”.

However, specialists said the government waited too long to request support from the European Union.

Cyprus is not currently part of the EU’s rescEU programme, which offers joint disaster response capacity. The country previously opted out due to internal political disputes.

Former EU commissioner Christos Stylianides, who designed the programme, called for Cyprus to join following the fire.

Local complaints also focused on the government’s refusal to accept help from Turkish-controlled northern Cyprus.

Response strategy questioned by citizens and fire experts

Some residents of Limassol and surrounding villages said the evacuation instructions were confusing or delayed.

Ioannou denied these claims, stating that evacuation plans worked and multiple villages were cleared successfully.

Savvas Iezekiel, head of the forestry department, said: “Nobody was ready for this fire, but we did what we could.”

Nikos Logginos, who leads the Cyprus Fire Service, added: “We ask for forgiveness if we were unable to respond to all incidents at the same time. Our resources were not inexhaustible.”

A March report from fire expert Gavriel Xanthopoulos, released on Wednesday, called for better collaboration between the forestry department and fire service.

Political and economic consequences mount in Cyprus

Opposition parties criticised the government’s handling of the fires, with Stefanos Stefanou, leader of the Progressive Party of Working People, calling for resignations.

Annita Demetriou of the Democratic Rally said an apology from the president was “not enough”.

Andreas Theophanous, professor at the Cyprus Center for European and International Affairs, said a cabinet reshuffle is likely.

He explained: “I expect that it may take a few weeks, but we’ll have a general reshuffling of the government so that there will be a new beginning.”

According to an assessment by Theodoros Zachariadis from the Cyprus Institute, climate-related disasters could cost the country up to €18 billion by 2050.

On Wednesday, the government announced financial aid for affected individuals and new measures including controlled burning and grazing to prevent future incidents.

Maria Panayiotou, Minister of Rural Development and Environment, said: “These reports will be made public and will form the basis for the necessary institutional and operational improvements.”

Cyprus wildfires prompt investigation into fire response delays: Summary

The wildfire in Limassol is the most severe in Cyprus in two decades.

Two people died and widespread damage occurred in the southern region of the island.

The government’s early warning system did not activate.

A planned system upgrade was delayed due to a cancelled contract in 2024.

The government has been criticised for slow response and lack of clarity during evacuations.

Cyprus did not request EU support quickly and is not part of the rescEU programme.

Local authorities rejected assistance from Turkish-administered northern Cyprus.

Opposition parties and citizens are calling for accountability and structural changes.

Cyprus officials said they activated emergency protocols and are reviewing the incident.

Reports into the fire response are due Friday and will be published.

Experts warn climate-related disasters may cost Cyprus €18 billion by 2050.

California rule change allowed dormant power lines to remain before Eaton fire

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsWildland Fire

California regulators revised safety rule after utility pressure

A proposed rule to require utilities to remove abandoned transmission lines was weakened after lobbying by electric companies, according to The LA Times.

The abandoned Mesa-Sylmar line, which Southern California Edison said last transmitted power in 1971, is suspected of causing the Eaton fire in January 2025.

The fire killed 19 people and destroyed over 9,000 structures in Altadena, California.

The original 2001 proposal from Public Utilities Commission (PUC) staff would have mandated the removal of out-of-use lines unless their future use could be proven.

By 2005, the rule was altered to allow utilities to retain dormant lines indefinitely, unless internally designated as “permanently abandoned.”

Pressure from utilities shaped the final version

Raffy Stepanian, a retired electrical engineer who helped draft the 2001 proposal, told The LA Times that the changes resulted from lobbying by utilities.

“There was a lot of pressure on us to agree with utilities on everything,” Stepanian said: “The utilities pretty much wrote those rules.”

Loretta Lynch, then PUC president, recalled: “The folks who were trying to improve safety got pulled into a back room with a bunch of industry participants and what happened was a final decision that rolled back safety regulations.”

Michael Peevey, who chaired the PUC when the rule was finalised and previously led Edison’s parent company, said: “If we knew then what we know now, perhaps we would have come to a different conclusion.”

The 2005 vote occurred after Lynch’s departure, leaving only three commissioners.

Disagreement over definition of ‘abandoned’

The definition of abandonment was central to the debate, according to commission records.

In early drafts, lines were considered abandoned if owners could not prove future use with documentation.

Edison challenged the proposal, including in a 2001 case involving a fatality in Lancaster. The commission found Edison’s claims about future use to be unsubstantiated.

In the final version, “permanently abandoned” was redefined as a determination made solely by the utility, with no documentation requirement.

Lynch said the revised rule “perverted the entire intent” of the original proposal.

Workshop process criticised for lack of independence

The PUC allowed utilities to pay $180,000 to select a facilitator for workshops on the rule.

Documents reviewed by The LA Times show utilities proposed 50 changes, many weakening safety provisions.

Lynch said the process was “the worst way to go about fact-finding on what is needed to ensure safety.”

She criticised the facilitator’s influence on workshop notes, which informed the final decision.

Connor Flanigan, Edison’s managing director of state regulatory operations, said the process was transparent and that staff could block proposals.

The final decision document includes statements from Edison executives supporting the outcome.

Ongoing safety concerns over idle lines

Following the Eaton fire, the PUC’s executive director, Rachel Peterson, told the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee that there is no public record of where dormant lines are located.

“There’s no timeline,” she added, when asked if utilities must remove inactive lines.

Commission spokesperson Terrie Prosper wrote that removing lines prematurely could raise customer bills and declined interview requests.

Edison said the Mesa-Sylmar line may have re-energised through induction. Videos captured the fire igniting beneath a tower supporting the dormant line.

The company said it maintains 465 miles of idle lines but will not disclose locations, citing confidentiality.

PG&E, which faced scrutiny after the 2019 Kincade fire, agreed to remove 262 miles of unused lines and prioritise high-risk areas.

California rule change allowed dormant power lines to remain before Eaton fire: Summary

Southern California Edison said the Mesa-Sylmar transmission line last carried electricity in 1971.

The line is suspected of igniting the Eaton fire on 7 January 2025.

The Public Utilities Commission originally proposed a rule in 2001 requiring removal of such lines.

In 2005, that proposal was weakened following lobbying from utilities.

The revised rule allowed companies to keep lines unless they deemed them permanently abandoned.

Former PUC president Loretta Lynch said the revision reduced safety standards.

The PUC allowed 50 days of workshops led by a facilitator paid by utilities.

Utilities proposed 50 rule changes during this process, many reducing oversight.

Edison has 465 miles of dormant lines but will not disclose locations.

PUC’s executive director confirmed there is no central registry for idle lines.

There is no timeline for their removal.

PG&E agreed to remove 262 miles of dormant lines after a 2019 fire.

Vallfirest photo contest invites wildfire professionals worldwide

by Featured NewsPPEWildland Fire

Photo contest open to users in selected countries

Vallfirest has announced an international photo competition open from 1 August to 1 October 2025.

According to Vallfirest, the campaign invites users of its firefighting equipment to share field images via Instagram using a dedicated hashtag and tag.

Participants must include at least one Vallfirest product in use, either during active wildfire response, training, or patrol scenarios.

The company stated that five winning entries will be selected by public vote and awarded gear and visibility on Vallfirest platforms.

Participation is limited to individuals aged 18 or over in a defined list of eligible countries across Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and Oceania.

Entry rules require public Instagram posts

Vallfirest explained that entries must be submitted between 1 August and 1 October 2025 using the hashtag #VallfirestInAction2025.

Entrants must also tag @vallfirest and @vallfirest_na on a public Instagram post and include at least one Vallfirest product in use.

Only one submission per participant will be accepted.

The company said that photos not meeting the visibility or tagging requirements will be disqualified.

It also stated that photos must not contain political, offensive or explicit content.

Prizes include gear and global exposure

According to Vallfirest, the five photos with the highest number of public votes will receive gear packages and be featured across its platforms.

Winning entries will also appear in the Vallfirest calendar and newsletter for the following year.

The company added that all entries will be published on a web-based platform after the closing date for public voting.

It said the exact dates for the voting window will be announced via its website and social media channels.

Intellectual property rights and image use policy

Vallfirest confirmed that by entering, participants grant the company non-exclusive, royalty-free rights to use submitted images for at least two years.

It said the images may be used in digital or printed materials, merchandising, newsletters or marketing campaigns, with attribution when applicable.

Participants must hold the copyright to their images and are responsible for ensuring the photos do not infringe on third-party rights.

Vallfirest noted that it reserves the right to reject or remove entries it considers irrelevant or inappropriate.

Contest eligibility and disqualification conditions

The contest is open to individuals in a listed group of eligible countries, including the United Kingdom, Spain, France, United States, Canada, Chile, Morocco, Japan, and New Zealand.

Countries excluded from participation include Argentina, Egypt, Israel, North Korea, and Belarus.

Employees of Vallfirest and their immediate family members are not eligible to enter.

The company stated that any evidence of fraudulent voting activity will result in disqualification.

It also noted that it may modify or cancel the contest at any time without prior notice.

Vallfirest photo contest invites wildfire professionals worldwide: Summary

Vallfirest has launched a photo competition running from 1 August to 1 October 2025.

The contest invites users to share images showing Vallfirest gear in action on Instagram.

Participants must include the hashtag #VallfirestInAction2025 and tag @vallfirest and @vallfirest_na.

Entries must be public, feature at least one Vallfirest product, and meet content rules.

Only individuals aged 18 or over in eligible countries may take part.

Winners will be chosen by public vote on a web platform hosted by Vallfirest.

Prizes include Vallfirest gear and appearance in the company’s communication channels.

Submitted photos may be used by Vallfirest for up to two years with credit.

All entries must be original work and respect copyright rules.

Vallfirest may remove entries or disqualify votes where irregularities are found.

California adjusts SB 9 rules for fire-prone zones

by Featured NewsWildland Fire

Fire rebuilding rules change for high-risk zones

Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a new executive order giving local governments greater authority over housing development in very high fire hazard severity zones within Los Angeles County.

The directive applies to areas affected by major fires, known as burn scar zones, and temporarily limits development under Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) while local rules are drawn up.

The Governor’s office said the order is part of wider efforts to support community-led rebuilding in areas affected by recent fire disasters.

It added that the order remains in effect as long as the state of emergency continues.

Seven-day pause and local discretion over SB 9 development

The order includes a seven-day pause on SB 9 developments in affected areas, such as the Palisades in Los Angeles, parts of Altadena, Sunset Mesa, and Malibu.

The Governor’s office said this pause gives time for local authorities to create fire-sensitive rebuilding standards.

Under SB 9, homeowners are allowed to split residential lots and build duplexes, even in single-family zones.

According to the Governor’s office, the new executive order does not remove SB 9 altogether but allows local governments to define where and how it applies within fire-prone areas.

It stated that officials will be able to add requirements or designate exclusion zones based on local risks and needs.

The Governor’s office said this flexibility helps communities align housing recovery with fire safety.

Executive order builds on earlier recovery efforts

The Governor’s office stated that the new order adds to previous steps taken to accelerate recovery in Los Angeles.

It cited earlier executive orders that fast-tracked the rebuilding of homes and schools by suspending permitting rules and certain building codes.

It added that regulations under the California Environmental Quality Act and the California Coastal Act were also temporarily waived to reduce rebuilding delays.

The Governor’s office said this approach aimed to reduce administrative obstacles for survivors seeking to return to safe housing.

It confirmed that state agencies have been instructed not to issue guidance that could contradict these waivers.

Fire response included state and federal coordination

The Governor’s office said the state response began before the fires had fully ignited, with over 16,000 personnel deployed at its peak.

It explained that coordination with federal partners included securing a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration and logistical support from both the Biden and Trump administrations.

The office said these steps helped speed up debris clearance and support affected residents more efficiently.

It also stated that this cooperation helped maintain continuity in federal relief during a presidential transition period.

Hazardous waste removal completed ahead of schedule

According to the Governor’s office, hazardous waste was cleared from 9,000 homes in under 30 days.

It said this pace surpassed the timelines seen during the Camp, Woolsey, and Tubbs fires.

It added that at the peak of the operation, 500 crews from the Army Corps of Engineers were active on site.

These crews were tasked with removing ash, soot, and fire debris following the Eaton and Palisades fires.

The Governor’s office said this contributed to faster recovery and safer rebuilding conditions.

California adjusts SB 9 rules for fire-prone zones: Summary

Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a new executive order on SB 9 development in fire-affected areas.

The order grants local governments discretion over housing rules in very high fire hazard severity zones.

It includes a seven-day pause on new SB 9 development in identified burn scar zones in Los Angeles County.

The Governor’s office said the pause allows time for local standards to be created.

It stated that the SB 9 framework remains in place outside of the specified fire zones.

The order follows earlier measures waiving environmental and coastal permitting laws for recovery efforts.

The state said over 16,000 personnel were involved at the peak of the fire response.

A Presidential Major Disaster Declaration was secured to support affected areas.

Federal and state crews removed debris from 9,000 homes in less than 30 days.

At peak operation, 500 Army Corps of Engineers crews were active on site.

Wildfire emissions surge across Canada and Europe in 2025

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Record emissions from Canadian wildfires monitored by CAMS

Wildfire emissions in Canada have remained well above the long-term average throughout June and July 2025, according to the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS).

CAMS reported that wildfire intensity and emissions across Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario have surpassed previous records in its 23-year dataset.

The organisation said emissions from these three provinces contributed to Canada’s cumulative wildfire carbon total of approximately 180 megatonnes as of the end of July.

CAMS said the scale and duration of the Canadian wildfire season has been unusual, with smoke transported long distances, reaching western, central and eastern Europe.

According to CAMS, British Columbia and Alberta recorded emissions significantly below average in July, while Northwest Territories produced slightly above-average emissions of around 18 megatonnes.

Southern US states and Alaska experience varying fire trends

Wildfires in southern US states also contributed to regional atmospheric impacts in July, CAMS data showed.

The Madre fire, which broke out in California on 2 July, was described by CAMS as the largest in the state in 2025, having burned 80,779 acres.

In Arizona, wildfire carbon emissions for July reached just under 1.5 megatonnes, which CAMS said was the highest total on record for the state for that month.

New Mexico’s wildfire emissions for July were the third highest recorded, behind only 2011 and 2003, CAMS noted.

Utah recorded emissions slightly above those seen in July 2024, at just over 0.8 megatonnes.

In Alaska, wildfires affected local air quality, although CAMS reported that emissions remained near the historical average at around 5.6 megatonnes.

Mediterranean wildfires break national records for emissions

In southern Europe, wildfires in Greece, Turkey and Cyprus during June and July led to several national emission records, according to CAMS.

Fires on the Greek island of Chios began on 22 June, contributing to the country’s highest June emissions since 2007.

In Turkey, emissions for June were the highest in CAMS records, with wildfires continuing into July and resulting in the highest cumulative emissions ever recorded in the country.

At least 10 forest workers were killed in Turkey during the second half of July. Two fatalities were reported in Cyprus, where wildfires led to record emissions after just two days of burning.

Joe McNorton, fire forecasting scientist at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), said:

“Probabilistic fire forecasts with the ECMWF SPARKY model have highlighted that the wildfires around the Mediterranean this summer have been the result of an abundance of fuel and severe weather conditions.

“Much drier conditions [are] driving the intensity of the fires.”

Wildfires expand across Balkans and southwestern Europe

CAMS reported increased wildfire activity in the Balkans, with Serbia and Albania each recording their second-highest emissions totals on record for July.

According to CAMS data, Serbia’s emissions were just over 0.05 megatonnes and Albania’s were around 0.07 megatonnes.

Emissions in Montenegro and North Macedonia were the third highest recorded for July in CAMS’ data.

In southwestern Europe, wildfires ignited in early July across southern France, Catalonia and Portugal.

CAMS noted that wildfires near Marseille resulted in evacuations, and similar action was taken in Catalonia, where fires were driven by hot, dry winds.

The wildfire situation continued into late July in Spain and Portugal, with firefighters working to control large-scale burns in northern Portugal and central Spain.

Wildfires in northern Scotland raise UK annual emissions

Northern Scotland experienced widespread wildfire activity at the end of June and start of July 2025, CAMS confirmed.

Fire Radiative Power (FRP) data from CAMS showed a sharp increase on 28, 29 and 30 June.

As a result, CAMS reported that the United Kingdom’s cumulative wildfire carbon emissions for 2025 reached their highest annual total in 23 years of records.

The fires in Scotland added to broader regional impacts from wildfire smoke across the North Atlantic, tracked through aerosol optical depth modelling by CAMS and the ECMWF.

CAMS said it continues to monitor global wildfire activity and its effect on air quality and atmospheric conditions.

Wildfire emissions surge across Canada and Europe in 2025: Summary

Wildfires in Canada have produced around 180 megatonnes of carbon emissions by the end of July 2025.

Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario reported their highest emissions on record.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires was transported across the Atlantic and reached multiple parts of Europe.

British Columbia, Alberta and Northwest Territories experienced lower emissions than in previous years.

In the US, Arizona and New Mexico recorded some of their highest ever emissions for July.

Wildfires in California burned more than 80,000 acres during the month.

Southern Europe reported record emissions in Greece, Turkey and Cyprus.

At least 12 people died as a result of wildfires in Turkey and Cyprus.

Wildfire emissions in Serbia and Albania were the second highest on record.

Fires in France, Spain and Portugal led to evacuations and continued into late July.

Wildfires in northern Scotland raised UK’s annual emissions to a record high in CAMS data.

UBC Okanagan research tracks year-round wildfire risk in British Columbia

by Featured NewsResearchWildland Fire

UBC Okanagan develops new tools for wildfire prediction

UBC Okanagan has reported that its researchers are using new technologies to forecast and monitor wildfire risk across British Columbia.

According to the university, projects under way at the campus aim to shift from reactive response to proactive prevention, with multiple faculties contributing to applied fire science.

Dr Mathieu Bourbonnais, a wildfire researcher and former wildland firefighter, said the nature of wildfires has changed over the past decade, requiring new approaches to adaptation and planning.

The university stated that dozens of projects are currently in progress, involving engineering, environmental science, social sciences and Indigenous studies.

UBC Okanagan explained that it is working with emergency agencies, provincial ministries, industry and local communities to test and apply its findings.

Forecasting risk using real-time data and sensors

UBC Okanagan said it is applying sensor technology to track wildfire risk conditions in real time.

Dr Bourbonnais and his team have developed a network of sensors that monitor temperature, wind and humidity, which feed into a forecasting tool used by local authorities.

According to UBC Okanagan, this information can support prescribed burns, landscape management and early-warning alerts for infrastructure and environmental protection.

Dr Bourbonnais said: “This work isn’t just about emergency response.

“One of the benefits of our sensor network – especially in partnership with BC Wildfire Service and the Kelowna Fire Department – is supporting prescribed burns.

“That’s where resilience begins.

“Cameras and tech alone don’t reduce risk unless we’re actively using them to manage the landscape and prevent disasters before they start.”

UBC Okanagan confirmed that the team is also collaborating with BC Wildfire Service and the provincial government to develop a wildfire camera network.

The university stated that the initiative has received $200,000 in public investment and will use artificial intelligence to identify smoke and flames.

Fire detection systems tested on campus

UBC Okanagan has described its own campus as a “living lab” for wildfire hazard detection systems.

Civil engineering professor Dr Qian Chen is leading a research project titled Smart Fire Detection Systems, which is using thermal sensors and predictive algorithms to test wildfire monitoring tools.

UBC Okanagan explained that this project uses the campus as a site for real-world testing, allowing staff to evaluate system performance under live conditions.

The project is designed to support facility managers, emergency services and infrastructure providers by integrating real-time data into a decision-support dashboard.

Dr Chen said: “This is where research leaves the lab and makes a real difference.

“The tools we’re developing here could eventually protect schools, hospitals, even entire neighbourhoods.”

According to the university, the system could be applied across a range of buildings in wildfire-prone regions.

Students gain experience through fieldwork and development

UBC Okanagan reported that undergraduate students are directly contributing to wildfire projects through research placements and technical roles.

Computer science student Shreya Saxena was involved in building the interface for Dr Bourbonnais’s wildfire risk dashboard.

The dashboard is intended to help translate environmental data into formats usable by frontline personnel.

UBC Okanagan explained that students working on the project gain exposure to real-world data analysis, user design and digital monitoring tools.

The university added that students participate in other tasks including field sampling and software development.

Saxena said: “Our goal was to make sure the right people have the right information at the right time.”

Coexistence approach underpins multi-disciplinary wildfire research

UBC Okanagan said its wildfire-related research is based on the idea of coexistence rather than response alone.

The university stated that researchers are working to help British Columbia adapt to increasing fire risk through collaboration, innovation and year-round monitoring.

According to the institution, its campus projects aim to develop scalable systems that can be applied to public infrastructure and emergency response.

The work draws on interdisciplinary knowledge from engineering, climate science and community planning.

Dr Bourbonnais said: “The wildfires I see now aren’t the same wildfires I saw 10 to 15 years ago.

“They’re a different beast. We’ve got to realize that new approaches are needed.”

UBC Okanagan said its goal is to equip emergency agencies and communities with the information they need to manage risk in a changing climate.

UBC Okanagan research tracks year-round wildfire risk in British Columbia: Summary

UBC Okanagan is developing tools to forecast and monitor wildfire risk across British Columbia.

The university is using sensors and artificial intelligence to collect real-time data on heat, wind and humidity.

A digital dashboard allows emergency services to visualise the data and act on alerts.

Dr Mathieu Bourbonnais is leading several projects with partners including BC Wildfire Service and the provincial government.

A new camera network for fire detection is being developed with a $200,000 investment.

Dr Qian Chen is leading a separate project to test smart fire detection systems on the university campus.

Students are involved in research through roles in interface development and field sampling.

The research is focused on prevention and adaptation rather than emergency response.

UBC Okanagan describes its campus as a testbed for wildfire technologies.

The university aims to provide data and tools for infrastructure managers and emergency agencies.

OroraTech wildfire data integrated into Opterrix platform for US insurers

by Featured NewsFire DetectionWildland Fire

New pilot sees OroraTech data used in US insurance workflows

OroraTech USA has confirmed a new partnership with Opterrix, a geospatial platform used in the U.S. insurance industry.

According to OroraTech, the agreement will see its satellite-powered wildfire detection and AI fire spread simulations integrated into Opterrix’s risk management system.

The partnership launched with a one-year pilot programme involving USAA, making it the first U.S. insurance carrier to access OroraTech’s data via the Opterrix platform.

USAA will test the combined system to explore how real-time wildfire insights might help identify, quantify and reduce risk across its property portfolio.

OroraTech said its modelling, based on terrain, vegetation and wind conditions, enables high-resolution forecasts of fire development in time and space.

Partnership aims to improve insurer awareness and response

Opterrix said the integration provides insurers with visual overlays of wildfire spread, enabling users to assess threat levels for individual policyholders before and during a fire.

According to the company, the new functionality supports workflows across underwriting, claims, and exposure management.

Ben Zimmerman, CEO of Opterrix, said: “Our mission is to help insurers proactively identify and manage risks before they turn into losses.

“Wildfires are increasing in frequency and cost, and OroraTech’s low-Earth orbit satellite constellation provides us with the most timely and actionable intelligence available.

“Together, we’re delivering a new level of risk assessment and awareness for carriers during critical moments.”

OroraTech says constant threat requires real-time tools

Thomas Gruebler, CEO of OroraTech USA, said the data now being made available through Opterrix responds to the shift in how wildfire is impacting the insurance market.

“Wildfire has shifted from a seasonal hazard to a constant threat for both insurers and policyholders,” he said.

“By integrating our data into the Opterrix platform, we enable real-time risk assessment and informed decision-making.

“It opens our platform to insurers to strengthen wildfire intelligence across the U.S. insurance industry.”

The company stated that its thermal satellite constellation allows for detection of new wildfire ignitions within minutes.

Pilot begins with USAA, future expansion planned

OroraTech confirmed that the USAA pilot provides access to its wildfire detection API and fire spread modelling tools.

This data is being deployed across the continental United States as part of USAA’s internal testing phase.

The company said the pilot will help USAA explore early-warning systems, claims triage, and customer engagement enhancements.

According to OroraTech, the agreement is intended as a starting point for further integration with other carriers.

It said more deployments are planned for later in the year.

Data integration supports wildfire decision-making

Opterrix said its platform now allows users to visualise wildfire threats at street-level resolution.

This includes mapping potential fire paths in relation to policyholder locations and assets.

The company said this will enable more accurate exposure calculations and improve operational planning during an active wildfire.

OroraTech added that its modelling draws on multiple environmental factors and is updated in near real-time.

It said this level of granularity could help insurers to understand how fire is likely to evolve, supporting time-sensitive risk decisions.

OroraTech wildfire data integrated into Opterrix platform for U.S. insurers: Summary

OroraTech USA has partnered with Opterrix to provide wildfire detection and modelling data for the U.S. insurance sector.

The integration combines OroraTech’s satellite-based thermal data with Opterrix’s geospatial risk platform.

USAA is the first insurer to pilot the new system.

The pilot includes access to OroraTech’s wildfire API across the continental United States.

Opterrix stated the platform gives real-time insights for underwriting, claims and exposure management.

OroraTech said the data helps insurers predict fire spread and issue early warnings.

Ben Zimmerman of Opterrix said the partnership enhances awareness for carriers.

Thomas Gruebler of OroraTech USA said wildfire is now a constant threat for insurers.

Both companies indicated plans to expand the system to additional insurers in the future.

SFPE Foundation updates handbook to support fire services addressing WUI fire risks

by Americas - Breaking NewsBreaking NewsTrainingWildland Fire

New handbook to support WUI fire risk assessment

The SFPE Educational & Scientific Foundation (SFPE Foundation) has announced the upcoming release of the second edition of its Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Virtual Handbook for Fire Risk Assessment & Mitigation.

According to the SFPE Foundation, the handbook will be available online and for download from 19 August 2025.

The second edition has been produced with funding from a 2022 U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency Fire Prevention & Safety Grant.

The organisation said the handbook expands on the original 2023 edition with new content covering parcel-level and community-level mitigation.

It explained that the new version includes assessment tools, educational flyers, four instructional videos and a basic risk checklist.

The SFPE Foundation stated that the handbook is not intended to replace existing programmes, but can be used as a supplementary training and mitigation tool by any department.

Assistant Fire Chief Brad Cronin, Chair of the SFPE Fire Service Subcommittee, said: “With more and more areas becoming prone to wildfires, having the WUI Virtual Handbook available free to the fire service is an invaluable resource in addressing this hazard.

“This versatile reference can be used by departments that have no experience with WUI risk assessments to quickly evaluate areas of their jurisdiction or by those departments that are well-versed in the topic to dial in their methods.”

Handbook designed for use across all fire department experience levels

The SFPE Foundation stated that the handbook was developed to support both experienced and less experienced departments.

It said the resource can be used to support property inspection training, structure-specific fire risk assessments, homeowner education and stakeholder engagement.

The Foundation added that it may be particularly useful in jurisdictions with limited WUI experience or where fire risks are emerging.

Dr Hubert Biteau, Senior Technical Advisor at Code Red Consultants, said: “It is important to promote the 2nd Edition of the SFPE WUI Handbook for Fire Risk Assessment & Mitigation to fire services located in the WUI and with little to no WUI expertise.

“It is equally important to identify WUI locations where wildland fires are not currently a threat but may become a challenge in the near future to proactively educate communities on the identification of the foreseen hazards, adequate prevention and mitigation.”

New training pilots to test advanced WUI modules

The SFPE Foundation also announced a pilot training programme for advanced WUI fire engineering.

According to the Foundation, the training is supported by a 2023 FEMA Fire Prevention & Safety Grant and will be delivered through in-person and virtual sessions over the next nine months.

It stated that the pilot modules will cover WUI fire dynamics, fire modelling, and human behaviour in wildland-urban fires.

Two virtual pilot courses will take place in September 2025 and early 2026, and a pre-conference feedback session will be held at the SFPE Annual Conference on 21 October in Vancouver, Canada.

The Foundation said registration details for training participation will be provided during a free webinar scheduled for 19 August.

White paper highlights global collaboration and engineering approaches

In July 2025, the SFPE Foundation published a white paper titled The Contributions of Fire Engineering in Addressing the Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Problem.

The Foundation said the paper was authored by Dr Pascale Vacca and based on findings from the WUI Working Group and the 2023 Virtual WUI Summit.

According to the Foundation, the paper presents an overview of knowledge gaps, fire engineering challenges and proposed solutions related to WUI fire risk.

It stated that the paper highlights the contribution of international volunteers and is available at https://doi.org/10.64167/x5h6-75nw.

The Foundation said this forms part of its strategy to build a body of open-access WUI research.

Online WUI library launched to share global research

The SFPE Foundation has also launched a new online WUI research library.

It said the resource brings together articles, research projects and tools that focus on the role of fire engineering in addressing WUI fire risk.

The Foundation explained that the library includes outputs from its Grand Challenges Initiative and Student Research Grants, as well as other publicly available resources.

Lisa VanBuskirk, WUI Programme Manager, is coordinating submissions of new open-access content.

Dr Leslie Marshall, Director of the SFPE Foundation, said: “Over the last few years, the SFPE Foundation has greatly expanded our efforts to bring fire engineering expertise and resources to addressing the growing wildland-urban interface fire problem, both in the United States and around the world.

“With the announcement of the Second Edition of the WUI Virtual Handbook, our efforts to develop advanced WUI training modules for the U.S. Fire Service, the publication of a white paper on WUI Fire Engineering, and our efforts to promote and publicize a growing body of global WUI research and resources through our new online library, we hope to demonstrate that fire engineers have a unique and important role to play in this ecosystem, and that we are committed to working alongside our partners – like the U.S. Fire Service, among others – to develop tools, education, research, and resources that fill critical knowledge gaps.”

Updated WUI handbook and training launched in United States: Summary

The SFPE Foundation has announced the release of the second edition of its WUI Virtual Handbook for Fire Risk Assessment & Mitigation.

The handbook will be available for free download on 19 August 2025.

It includes new content for both parcel-level and community-level mitigation.

The resource was funded by a 2022 FEMA Fire Prevention & Safety Grant.

Four videos, flyers and a risk checklist are included in the updated edition.

The Foundation said it is designed for use by fire departments with varied levels of WUI experience.

It stated the handbook does not replace existing tools but serves as a flexible companion resource.

A free webinar on 19 August will provide further guidance on how to use the handbook.

The SFPE Foundation is also piloting advanced training modules covering WUI fire dynamics and human behaviour.

These pilots will run over the next nine months, with initial sessions in late 2025.

A white paper on fire engineering and WUI fires has also been published.

An online library of WUI research has been launched by the Foundation.

This collection includes open-access material from funded and independent studies.

Castilla-La Mancha invests €60 million in fire prevention for 2025

by Featured NewsWildland Fire

Government confirms €60 million fire prevention investment

The Government of Castilla-La Mancha has confirmed an investment of €60 million for fire prevention measures in 2025.

According to a government statement published on 21 July, the funding is part of a €116 million budget dedicated to forest fire prevention and suppression across the region.

Second Vice President José Manuel Caballero announced the investment during a visit to ongoing work on the Camino de Ventillas, a forest access road connecting Solana del Pino and Fuencaliente.

The initiative includes maintenance and adaptation of infrastructure to support wildfire control and emergency evacuation efforts in high-risk areas.

Caballero said the government has increased its budget by €4 million compared to last year’s allocation.

Castilla-La Mancha campaign includes firefighting and awareness efforts

According to the regional government, the full €116 million budget covers both prevention and firefighting.

The government said €56 million of the total amount has been allocated to ongoing suppression efforts during the summer fire season.

Castilla-La Mancha currently has 2,800 personnel assigned to the campaign.

Of these, over 2,000 are forest firefighters employed through GEACAM, supported by environmental agents and staff from the Ministry of Sustainable Development.

The campaign also includes 249 aerial and ground units and 114 fixed surveillance stations distributed across the region.

Camino de Ventillas project supports prevention and evacuation

During his visit to Solana del Pino, José Manuel Caballero reviewed the fire prevention works on the Camino de Ventillas.

The government said this path links the CR5001 road with the N420 and is critical for accessing forest areas around Solana del Pino and Fuencaliente.

The project includes upgrades to improve access for firefighting equipment and evacuation routes for residents.

The government reported a total investment of €1,462,371 into the work, funded 75 percent by European FEADER funds.

The remainder is supported by the regional government through the Ministry of Sustainable Development and the national Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Local mayors welcome improved access and fire prevention

The mayors of Solana del Pino and Fuencaliente have welcomed the fire prevention project.

Josefa Poyatos and Rubén Paz thanked the regional government for what they described as a commitment to improving local safety and daily infrastructure.

Caballero and Provincial Delegate Casto Sánchez said the works address a long-standing request from residents of both municipalities.

Caballero said: “This was a historical demand that will become a reality by the end of the summer.”

He added: “The regional government is committed to ensuring the well-being of all residents of the region regardless of where they live.”

Infrastructure project replaces previous intergovernmental plan

The Camino de Ventillas upgrade was originally included in an agreement between the Ministry of Sustainable Development and the Provincial Council of Ciudad Real.

The Government of Castilla-La Mancha said the project is now being delivered by the regional authority after receiving no response from the provincial council.

The government said the goal of the works is to protect forest land by providing improved access for emergency responders.

It added that the same infrastructure improvements will help residents evacuate in case of fire and improve daily transport between rural areas.

The government said the dual benefit of land protection and community access was a core part of the planning process.

Castilla-La Mancha invests €60 million in fire prevention for 2025: Summary

The Government of Castilla-La Mancha has allocated €60 million to fire prevention efforts in 2025.

This funding forms part of a wider €116 million campaign budget.

The announcement was made by Second Vice President José Manuel Caballero on 21 July 2025.

The funding includes both preventative work and suppression of active fires.

The government said the budget increased by €4 million compared to 2024.

Castilla-La Mancha’s team includes 2,800 personnel, over 2,000 of whom are GEACAM firefighters.

A total of 249 vehicles and aircraft are supporting the campaign.

The region also operates 114 fixed surveillance points.

A public awareness campaign was launched under the slogan “Nothing happens until it happens.”

Work is ongoing to improve the Camino de Ventillas for fire control access.

The path upgrade project has received €1.46 million in funding.

Seventy-five percent of the project cost comes from European FEADER funds.

The remaining funding is provided by the national and regional governments.

Local mayors supported the project and its benefit for residents’ safety and mobility.

Eastern Mediterranean wildfires force evacuations and international firefighting response

by Breaking NewsWildland Fire

Turkey reports 17 deaths in ongoing wildfire operations

Wildfires across Turkey have killed 17 people since late June, according to AP News, with the crisis deepening near the city of Bursa over the weekend.

The Turkish government declared multiple disaster zones as record temperatures and strong winds triggered fast-moving fire outbreaks.

Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said fires were active in several provinces including Bursa, Karabuk and Kahramanmaras, with 3,500 residents evacuated and 3,000 hectares of forest destroyed northeast of Bursa.

A road incident involving firefighting personnel in Aglasan led to the deaths of two volunteers and one firefighter, while another suffered a fatal heart attack at a separate scene.

Ten people also died on 24 July in Eskisehir province during a large-scale response, the ministry confirmed.

Authorities closed a major highway and reported that temperatures reached 50.5°C in Sirnak, the highest on record.

The General Directorate of Meteorology confirmed July records were broken in 132 locations.

Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc stated that 97 people in 33 provinces were under investigation in connection to fire activity.

Police intervened in the village of Harmancik after a crowd gathered outside a station demanding the release of a suspected arsonist.

Greece battles wildfires on multiple fronts

Greece is managing widespread fire outbreaks across urban and island regions after a week-long heatwave, with BBC and The Guardian reporting mass evacuations and property damage.

In Kryoneri, a northern suburb of Athens, residents were ordered to evacuate after fires entered residential areas.

Civil protection minister Giannis Kefalogiannis said: “We have injured firefighters, human lives were put at risk, properties have been burned, and forest areas have been destroyed.”

The fire service deployed 145 firefighters, 44 engines, 10 planes and seven helicopters to the area.

Fires remained active in Evia, Kythera, Crete and the Peloponnese, with police patrols deployed to evacuated zones to prevent looting.

A fire near Pissona on Evia destroyed farmland and power infrastructure and resulted in six hospitalisations, according to local officials.

Kythera’s deputy mayor Giorgos Komninos said: “Houses, beehives, olive trees have been burnt… A monastery is in direct danger right now.”

The fire on Kythera had burned approximately 20% of the island by Sunday.

According to Euractiv, Greece requested aircraft via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, with Czech and Italian resources arriving first.

Greece’s fire service remains on alert after the country’s most destructive wildfire season in 2023, when 175,000 hectares were burned.

Bulgaria declares disaster zones as fires increase

Bulgaria is experiencing over 230 active wildfires, with AP News reporting that the worst outbreaks are along the southern borders with Greece and Turkey and in the west near Serbia.

The government has declared disaster zones and issued red alerts for nearly half the country due to ongoing extreme temperatures and wind.

In Strumyani, fire crews withdrew from overnight flare-ups and were reinforced by military support.

Residents in Tran were evacuated as flames moved close to residential buildings.

Alexander Djartov, chief of the National Fire Service, said Bulgaria had formally requested international help.

Aircraft from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, France, Hungary and Sweden were due to arrive by Sunday evening.

Authorities said they remain concerned about the risk of new ignitions amid persistent heat and drought.

France reports flare-ups in southern coastal region

In southern France, a wildfire in the Aude region burned 600 hectares on Saturday, as reported by The Guardian.

Strong winds pushed the fire from open land into residential zones, leading to the evacuation of two campgrounds and ten homes.

Authorities confirmed the destruction of two houses and deployed 630 firefighters and a dozen aircraft to the scene.

Three firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation.

Local government repurposed a gymnasium as a shelter for displaced residents.

The blaze occurred less than a month after a separate fire in Narbonne burned 2,100 hectares and required 1,000 personnel to control.

Deputy prefect Rémi Recio said windy conditions were complicating containment efforts in the region.

Heatwave and wind amplify fire risk across region

The eastern Mediterranean has seen daily fire activity driven by prolonged drought, high winds and extreme heat, according to data from meteorological authorities and national fire services.

Turkey recorded its highest-ever temperature of 50.5°C in Sirnak, while Greece saw sustained highs above 40°C.

Authorities in all affected countries have warned that extinguished fires may reignite and urged the public to follow emergency instructions.

Emergency services across the region continue to manage widespread evacuations and resource deployment, with support from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

Many areas remain under critical alert status due to dry fuel loads, unstable wind patterns and forecasted temperature spikes.

While some fire fronts have been stabilised, others remain uncontrolled.

National leaders continue to coordinate international assistance and monitor infrastructure threats, including highways, power lines and water systems.

Eastern Mediterranean wildfires force evacuations and international firefighting response: Summary

Wildfires have spread across Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria and France in July 2025.

All four countries have reported evacuations, fatalities and destroyed property.

According to AP News, Turkey recorded 17 deaths and 3,000 hectares burned near Bursa.

BBC News and The Guardian reported evacuations in Athens suburbs and on islands including Evia and Kythera.

Bulgaria confirmed 236 active fires and has requested international aircraft.

The Guardian reported that southern France deployed 630 firefighters to a fire that burned 600 hectares.

EU Civil Protection Mechanism resources were dispatched to Greece and Bulgaria.

Meteorological authorities recorded Turkey’s highest-ever temperature at 50.5°C.

Disaster zones have been declared in Turkey and Bulgaria.

Governments warned that extinguished fires could reignite due to wind and heat.

Multiple deaths occurred during fire response efforts in Turkey and Greece.

Power, water and transport infrastructure has been affected in several locations.