Andria fire destroys social reintegration project land

An investigation is underway following a fire in the San Vittore district of Andria that destroyed approximately 30 hectares of agricultural land. Authorities suspect the blaze may have been intentional.

The fire destroyed a seven-hectare olive grove belonging to the “Senza Sbarre” diocesan project, led by Don Riccardo Agresti and Don Vincenzo Giannelli. This social initiative focuses on the reintegration and resocialization of inmates and former inmates through agricultural work, such as producing taralli.

Don Riccardo Agresti expressed deep distress over the loss of the workspace and the crops, noting that the destruction impacts both the economic viability of the project and the social progress of the participants. The project has been operating under the guidance of Bishop Mansi since 2016.