Carabinieri Forestali report 24 forest fires in Milan region

The Carabinieri Forestali of Magenta reported an unprecedented wave of forest fires in the Metropolitan City of Milan during July and August. A total of 24 fires were recorded in 60 days, 13 of which affected the Ticino Park and surrounding areas. While prolonged drought and extreme temperatures led the Lombardy Region to declare a high-risk state twice, investigators determined that human activity was the primary cause of nearly all incidents.

In a specific case in Motta Visconti on August 16, an unattended barbecue at the ‘Rimini’ beach near the Ticino River ignited dry vegetation, causing a fire to spread rapidly. Following investigations by the Magenta Forest Carabinieri and the Pavia Public Prosecutor's Office, two youths were identified and reported to judicial authorities. In addition to criminal proceedings, the individuals face administrative fines of 1,925 euros each for damaging approximately 700 square meters of woodland.