Tuscany Wildfire Forces Thousands from Their Homes

Firefighters in the Italian region of Tuscany are battling a large wildfire that has been spreading for several days and has forced authorities to evacuate around 3,000 residents. Strong winds have fuelled the blaze and complicated rescue efforts.

The fire broke out on Tuesday and has spread across more than 800 hectares on Mount Faeta, between the provinces of Lucca and Pisa. According to the mayor of San Giuliano Terme, Matteo Cecchelli, it was probably caused by the uncontrolled burning of olive tree branches.

Overnight winds significantly accelerated the spread of the flames. Regional president Eugenio Giani said these conditions made the precautionary evacuation of local residents necessary.

Three Canadair aircraft have also been deployed, scooping water from natural sources and dropping it on the blaze to assist ground units working to bring the fire under control.

The deputy mayor of Lucca, Fabio Barsanti, warned that the fire remains active. "All efforts are being made to contain as much as possible the perimeter of the fire, but we [...] are at the mercy of the wind", he said.

(reuters, bak)