Italy wildfires cause evacuations, crop loss and firefighter death

A wave of wildfires has swept southern Italy and parts of southern Europe during a heatwave. In Sicily, a blaze destroyed an entire olive crop at the Barbaccia farm and forced the evacuation of more than 100 residents, while a second fire near Agrigento prompted over 100 evacuations. In Puglia, fires burned 732 hectares of land, affecting wheat fields and the breeding grounds of the endangered Altamurana sheep. In Noto, Sicily, 14 hikers were rescued and two families were evacuated as flames raged for over 15 hours. The emergency response has involved dozens of fire crews, volunteer units, the Italian Civil Protection, the Forest Service and multiple Canadair aircraft. Across the broader region, France and Spain have also seen massive evacuations—up to 12,000 people in the Gironde district of France and tens of thousands in Spain—highlighting the trans‑national strain on firefighting resources.

The season’s human toll includes the death of 59‑year‑old firefighter Alessandro Marchì, who collapsed from a sudden malore while fighting a blaze near San Cataldo. His death prompted condolences from the Interior Minister and calls for better equipment and working conditions for fire crews. Officials note that roughly 60 % of the fires are suspected arson, adding a criminal dimension to the crisis.

Authorities stress that coordinated preventive measures, stronger land‑management policies and increased resources are needed to curb the growing threat of heat‑driven wildfires across the Mediterranean.