Italy confronts forest fire surge as Liguria imposes high‑risk alert and Friuli endures lightning‑triggered blazes

During the Atlantic storm on July 1‑2, lightning ignited several forest fires in the mountainous areas of Friuli Venezia Giulia, affecting locations such as Trasaghis, Venzone, Lusevera, Plauris, Brancot, Fora, and Russig. The regional forest service and civil protection deployed helicopters that performed dozens of water drops, particularly on Monte Postoucicco, Monte Plauris and other difficult‑to‑access sites, eventually bringing most fires under control while monitoring for possible re‑ignition.

On July 4, the Liguria regional authority issued a decree declaring a state of grave fire danger across the entire region. The order bans agricultural and forest residue burning, the use of open flames, equipment that can generate sparks, and smoking in or near forested areas, with violations subject to penalties. The alert will be lifted when vegetation humidity improves, and any fire incidents must be reported immediately to emergency number 112.