Guidonia Montecelio wildfire damages protected forest and vegetation

A significant wildfire broke out in the Setteville Nord area of Guidonia Montecelio on Saturday, August 8. The blaze destroyed approximately 40 hectares of vegetation and damaged a small, ecologically important forest near via Capoterra.

The affected forest, a remnant of the historic ‘Macchia di Marco Simone’, is home to nearly 200 plant species, including the rare and protected Styrax officinalis. While the central part of the woods and the valley's wetland area suffered less damage, the shrubbery and several trees were heavily impacted.

In addition to the environmental damage, the fire destroyed a parked car and a tree in a private garden. The flames approached residential areas on via Maddalena, causing concern for local residents. The fire was eventually contained around 11:00 PM following an extensive operation involving the Vigili del Fuoco, Civil Protection volunteers, and regional helicopters.