Wildfire rages on Italy's Gargano peninsula, forcing beach evacuations

A significant wildfire is raging in the Pile Fraballe area of Peschici, Foggia, on Italy's Gargano peninsula, consuming Mediterranean scrub and pine trees. Strong winds are fanning the flames, making the situation particularly concerning for local authorities and residents. The fire has spread towards the Baia Zaiana area, impacting the coastal road between Vieste and Peschici.

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The wind today is fueling the flames.

Tourists have been evacuated from beaches along the coast by the Coast Guard, and local public transport services are experiencing disruptions. The provincial road SP 52 is closed, with buses rerouted onto the SS 89. Some bus stops in Manaccore have been temporarily suspended. The fire is also affecting the territory of Cagnano Varano, leading to the closure of a section of the SS 693 road.

Firefighters are working to contain the blaze, utilizing water-bombing aircraft and ground crews. The mayor of Peschici, Luigi d'Arenzo, expressed concern about the fire's persistence in a worrying area and has requested further aerial support, including a Canadair from Rome. While about ten rural homes are not directly threatened, the smoke plume is visible for miles.

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We are awaiting the arrival of the Canadair from Rome.

The local community and tourism operators are expressing deep concern, fearing the loss of businesses and the disruption to tourists' holidays. The mayor highlighted that the wind is significantly exacerbating the situation, making containment efforts challenging.

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The Gargano is burning. And with it, the activities of many operators, as well as the holidays and expectations of hundreds of tourists who have chosen our territory, risk going up in smoke.