Italian regions boost wildfire prevention with drones, patrols and arrests

The Prefecture of Frosinone, the provincial administration and the Carabinieri Forestali signed an operational pact for the 2026 wildfire season, deploying drones, phototraps and cameras to improve surveillance and speed the identification of arsonists.

In the Irpinia area (Monteforte Irpino and Summonte) the Carabinieri Forestali, together with territorial troops, arrested six people caught burning vegetation during the high‑risk period, invoking the regional decree that bans such practices and imposing fines of up to €10,000.

In Calabria, civil‑protection officers discovered delayed‑ignition devices – candles with cloth soaked in flammable liquid, cat‑bait devices and bottle wicks – confirming deliberate arson. A video quote from the regional protection chief said, “Il peggior nemico dell’uomo è l’uomo.”

The Metropolitan City of Florence added a third forest‑patrol squad, equipped with a 4×4 vehicle, to monitor municipalities including Impruneta, Lastra a Signa, Scandicci and the Chianti area. The squad works alongside the regional forest service, volunteer groups and the fire department.

Together, these coordinated actions across several Italian regions aim to curb illegal burning, detect wildfires early, and protect forests and communities from severe fire damage.