A serious forest fire broke out in the Tuscany region of central-western Italy this week, authorities reported. The fire, which has been burning for several days, has been exacerbated by strong winds, leading to the precautionary evacuation of around 3,500 people.
According to media reports, Matteo Cecchelli, the mayor of San Giuliano Terme in the Pisa province of Tuscany, stated on Friday (May 1) that the fire started on Tuesday (April 28) and has spread over an area of more than 800 hectares across the Mount Faeta region at the border of Lucca and Pisa provinces.
The mayor indicated that the fire is suspected to have started due to a mistake during pruning of olive trees.
Eugenio Giani, the president of the Tuscany region, mentioned that the strong winds at night have fueled the fire, prompting authorities to order the precautionary evacuation of approximately 3,500 people.
The Italian National Fire Department posted on X platform that three Canadair firefighting planes have been deployed, working in coordination with ground personnel to extinguish the fire.