Wildfire in southern Italy spreads to Adriatic coast areas, hundreds evacuated

Italian authorities evacuated hundreds of people on Sunday as a wildfire raged along the southern Adriatic coast, forcing a sea evacuation of tourists and beachgoers. The coastal guard reported that more evacuations were anticipated as the blaze intensified.

More than 400 individuals were moved from the Puglia region, specifically around the town of Peschici, using the sea as the sole evacuation route. The coastal guard stated on social media that rescue operations were ongoing. A spokesperson for the coastal guard indicated that approximately 300 more people might need to be relocated.

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More than 400 tourists and visitors to the beaches were evacuated along the only possible evacuation route, the sea.

The operation involved a significant maritime presence, including six coast guard vessels, three boats from security forces, and around ten private ships. Images showed firefighters and a firefighting aircraft working to combat the flames, which did not immediately threaten buildings within the town itself. Local officials described the situation as "currently under control."

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The situation is currently under control.