Fire forces closure of Italy's SP77 road near Cerignola

A large wildfire broke out on the SP77 provincial road about 15 km from Cerignola on the evening of 6 July 2026. The blaze spread across multiple points along the highway, producing a dense black smoke column visible for several kilometres. The fire made the air unbreathable in parts of the route and emitted a strong burning odor that was detected in surrounding areas.

Police and fire crews closed the affected section of the SP77 to allow firefighting operations and to ensure driver safety. The incident prompted an urgent response from emergency services, though the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.