The Sicilian Project Disaster Relief Fund

July 30, 2026 update: The wild fires from last week that impacted multiple rural locations are mostly contained. Temperatures have lowered a bit but we are keeping an eye on the situation as another heat wave is on the way. Mount Etna is active again releasing quite a bit of smoke. This is normal activity from our volcano. So far no flight cancellations. Finally, it is safe to travel to Sicily! Tourist areas are virtually untouched. We will begin coordinating the distribution of your donations with those who were mostly impacted. More on this to follow. The Sicilian economy needs you.

Your continued generosity and support is appreciated.

Thank you - The Sicilian Project Board of Directors

SICILY WILDFIRE UPDATE — Saturday, July 25, 2026

Today's update includes our most detailed wildfire map to date.

Please take a few moments to review the map carefully. We've added considerably more information to help our readers better understand where active fires are burning, where recovery efforts are underway, and which major tourist destinations remain open and operating normally.

Beginning today, we will continue to update this map daily, adding new verified information and removing areas as conditions improve. Our goal is simple: to provide accurate, balanced, and timely information for our readers while supporting the courageous firefighters, volunteers, and emergency personnel working across Sicily.

More than 1,000 wildfire responses have been carried out by Sicilian firefighters since last weekend. Italy's Canadair water bombers, Regional Forestry helicopters, Civil Protection teams, and thousands of firefighters continue to work tirelessly to protect lives, homes, farms, businesses, and Sicily's extraordinary natural heritage.

These fires are the result of many factors. Extreme heat, prolonged dry conditions, low humidity, and strong winds have created ideal wildfire conditions. Some fires begin through accidental human carelessness, while authorities also investigate suspected cases of deliberate arson and other criminal activity. Each fire is investigated individually, and there is rarely a single cause.

Finally, we want to reassure travelers that most of Sicily remains open, vibrant, and welcoming. While some areas are experiencing active firefighting operations, the vast majority of the island's historic towns, beaches, archaeological sites, restaurants, hotels, and cultural attractions continue to welcome visitors.

We will continue publishing updated maps and reports every day until this emergency subsides.

Thank you for standing with Sicily—and thank you to everyone who has already supported The Sicilian Project's wildfire relief effort

The Sicilian Project - Board of Directors

SICILY WILDFIRE UPDATE – Friday JULY 24

Like many parts of southern Europe, Sicily continues to battle a number of serious wildfires fueled by high temperatures, dry vegetation, and strong winds. Our thoughts remain with the firefighters, Civil Protection volunteers, and the families who have been affected. Tragically, one firefighter has lost his life in the line of duty.

As always, The Sicilian Project and our ground staff there will continue to monitor the situation.

Sicilian Project President Giovanni Lanza quickly mobilized its disaster relief mechanism and is currently vetting suitable recipients for funds raised so far. More will obviously be needed so please consider making a tax- deductible donation to the link below.

If you would like to help, please consider donating to our Disaster Relief Fund. Every dollar we receive will be distributed directly to individuals and families affected by these fires. To make a donation, please visit
www.thesicilianproject.com.

There is also an important message for those planning to visit Sicily:

Sicily is a large island, and these fires are affecting specific areas—not the island as a whole. The great majority of Sicily's world-famous destinations remain open and vibrant. Taormina is welcoming visitors, Giardini Naxos is enjoying a busy summer season, Ortigia remains full of life, and most hotels, restaurants, archaeological sites, and beaches continue operating normally. As always, travelers should simply follow local advice if a fire develops in a nearby area.

Sicily has faced summer wildfires before, and Sicilians have always shown remarkable resilience. Together, we'll help those who need it most—and we'll continue welcoming visitors to one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

We'll provide another update tomorrow or as conditions change.

Thank you!

The Sicilian Project - Board of Directors

SICILY WILDFIRE UPDATE – JULY 23, 2026

The Island is burning. Here's how you can help.

Sicily is once again facing a serious wildfire emergency.
Multiple fast-moving fires continue to burn across the island, fueled by extreme heat, dry vegetation, and strong winds. Firefighters, Civil Protection volunteers, forestry crews, and firefighting aircraft are working around the clock to protect homes, farms, and communities. In several areas, evacuations have been ordered as flames continue to threaten lives and property.

Confirmed fire activity has been reported in and around the Palermo area, the Agrigento region, the central interior near Nicosia and Piazza Armerina, and throughout parts of eastern Sicily, including Piedimonte Etneo, Ragalna, Santa Maria di Licodia, Caltagirone, and Francofonte. The situation remains fluid, and new fires may develop as conditions change.

Today, The Sicilian Project is focusing its relief efforts on the Palermo area, central Sicily, and other communities requesting assistance. Four of our directors are actively coordinating this response. Our president, Giovanni Lanza, together with Gasparino "Reno" Sadella, is directing relief efforts in western Sicily. Meanwhile, Eszter and I, along with our team of guides  are monitoring conditions will respond to requests from affected communities.

Many of our friends, neighbors, and communities throughout Sicily are directly affected. We ask everyone to keep them—and the brave firefighters, Civil Protection personnel, and volunteers—in your thoughts and prayers. If you would like to help those impacted by these devastating fires, please consider supporting our Sicilian Disaster Relief Fund.

Every tax- deductible contribution, no matter the size, helps make a difference.

Thank you for standing with Sicily.

The Sicilian Project - Board of Directors

Dear Donors,

On behalf of The Sicilian Project I would like to express my gratitude for your support of our cyclone Harry relief fundraising effort. Because of your generosity we were able to provide relief to communities and residents most impacted by the devastation. Recipients have expressed their appreciation for your unexpected generosity. Although many are on the road to recovery, some are not as fortunate. We ask that you continue to keep those who continue to struggle in your thoughts and prayers. We are approximately $2,300 short of achieving our $40,000 goal and will keep the fundraiser active until remaining funds are disbursed by month-end.

Warm regards,

Giovanni Lanza

President - The Sicilian Project

ONE FINAL PUSH
As of this morning, nearly 350 donors have stepped forward and together we have raised more than $33,000 for families devastated by Cyclone Harry. Let that sink in for a moment.
Three hundred and fifty people looked across an ocean, saw suffering, and chose compassion. Because of you, help is no longer a promise — it is already reaching the hands of those who need it most. But now we stand just $7,000 away from our $40,000 goal. This is the moment that defines a community. Not the beginning… when emotion is high and headlines are fresh — but the finish, when commitment carries us across the line.
So today, I am asking — personally. If you know of anyone who have been meaning to give but haven’t yet, this is the moment to share our donation link. If you already gave and feel moved to help us finish what we started, you would not be alone. Many great acts are completed by those willing to step forward twice. And if you are reading this simply wondering whether your contribution matters — let me assure you: IT DOES! More than you know.
We are targeting families who lost everything. As funds arrive, they are dispersed quickly through our trusted local network. 100% of donations go directly into needy hands. No middleman. Fully tax-deductible.Now I ask you: Don’t watch us cross the finish line. Help carry us there. Be one of the people who can say, “I helped Sicily rise.” With gratitude and confidence that this remarkable community will finish strong,
To donate, text HELPSICILY to 707070 or visit: https://www.pledge.to/cyclone-harry-relief

Alfred M. ZappalaFounder and Chairman of the BoardThe Sicilian Project

Due to the overwhelming generosity of our donors we have increased our Cyclone Harry relief fund to $35,000. We have distributed our initial $10,000 to those who have been most impacted by the devastating storm. More details to follow. Again, thank you to our donors from around the world and four our local on the ground supporters.

Thank you! David Gewolb for taking us over our $20,000 goal. We are grateful and because of your  generosity we will increase our goal to $25,000. Again, thanking all of donors for their generosity and remember that no matter how much you donate every bit counts and is appreciated. Thank you, Giovanni Lanza - President & Treasurer of The Sicilian Project

Dear family and friends THANK YOU for your tremendous support. We have posted a YouTube video with the latest update from our local boots on the ground Alfred and Eszter.

Dear donors your outpouring of love and generosity has resulted in exceeding our $10,000 fundraising goal. Given the overwhelming need we have decided to increase our goal to $20,000. If you have not already done so please share this fundraising effort with your friends, family and those in your sphere of influence. We have begun to disburse your donations to support those victims most impacted. Many families are grateful for your prayers and generosity. Thank you for your support. Giovanni Lanza, President & Treasurer - The Sicilian Project.