ROME: Around 1,000 tourists were evacuated on Wednesday after a wildfire broke out in the southern Italian region of Puglia, as authorities deployed aerial and ground resources to contain the blaze in the picturesque coastal area of Gargano, firefighters said.
The fire, which broke out in a wooded area near the bay of San Felice, triggered a swift response from firefighters who mobilized three Canadair water bombers and a helicopter to combat the flames.
“The fire is being tackled from both land and air,” confirmed a spokesman from the fire service to AFP.
Puglia, renowned for its clear waters, white sandy beaches, and distinctive architecture, attracts visitors from around the world, particularly during the peak summer season. The affected area falls within the Gargano National Park, a biodiverse region known for its natural beauty.
“The situation is critical,” expressed Giuseppe Nobiletti, mayor of Vieste, a nearby town, to reporters as reported by Corriere della Sera newspaper. Nobiletti voiced concerns that shifting winds could exacerbate the fire’s spread towards nearby tourist complexes.
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The incident comes amid a period of heightened fire risk in Italy, exacerbated by weeks of hot weather. Wildfires have been a recurring phenomenon across the country, especially in southern regions and on islands such as Sicily and Sardinia.
The wildfire near Matera in the neighboring region of Basilicata killed two firefighters last week.
