Fire destroys 800 hectares of woodland on Monte Faeta.
Italian firefighters have been battling a large forest fire for several days on Monte Faeta, a mountain straddling the provinces of Lucca and Pisa in north-western Tuscany.
At least 800 hectares of woodland – roughly eight square kilometres – have been destroyed, around 3,500 people have been evacuated, and several buildings have been burnt.
How the fire started
The fire broke out on Tuesday on the Lucca side of the mountain – a popular destination for hikers – before spreading in subsequent hours to the Pisa side, driven by wind.
Early investigations suggest it may have started accidentally: initial assessments indicate the blaze appears to have originated from the burning of olive-tree prunings that got out of control.
The fire has proved particularly difficult to contain as flames are active across several areas simultaneously.
Dozens of forest fire-fighting teams are working around the clock, supported by drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras to monitor outbreaks.
At least three Canadair aircraft have been deployed alongside helicopters from the regional fleet to carry out water drops.
Residents evacuated
Evacuations initially covered only the areas closest to the mountain, but during the night between Thursday and Friday the entire hamlet of Asciano was evacuated due to the risk posed by the blaze.
On Friday morning, the evacuation of some homes in Santa Maria del Giudice was also ordered. Two reception centres have been set up in San Giuliano Terme to house displaced residents.
Wind factor
Weather conditions remain a major obstacle: sustained winds continue to fuel the flames and hinder firefighting operations, encouraging the re-ignition of new outbreaks.
The blaze has forced the closure of a stretch of approximately one and a half kilometres of the SS12 Abetone-Brennero state road, as well as a section of the provincial road between Asciano and San Giuliano Terme.
Roadblocks have also been set up in the affected areas to prevent obstruction of rescue vehicles.
Firefighting operations are ongoing, with the coming hours considered critical.
Photo credit: Essenze di natura / Shutterstock.com
