Italy sees early surge in wildfires, record‑breaking burn area in 2026

Legambiente’s “Italy in Smoke 2026” report shows that from 1 January to 15 June 2026 a total of 469 wildfires burned 9 545 ha, a rise of 36.3 % over the same period in 2025. The data confirm that the fire season is starting earlier and lasting longer, driven by higher temperatures and prolonged drought linked to the climate crisis.

Official statistics from the Carabinieri Forestali indicate over 1 000 fires in the first half of 2026, burning 3 625 ha of forest and 209 ha of non‑forest land – about 98 % of the incidents are human‑caused, either arson or negligence. The most affected regions are Calabria, Tuscany and Puglia, with notable activity also reported in Piedmont and Lombardy.

Several large incidents have required extensive aerial support. In Sardinia, a massive blaze near Olzai prompted the deployment of a Super Puma helicopter, a Canadair and additional light helicopters. On 18 July, eight helicopters and two Canadair aircraft fought twelve separate fires across the island, threatening villages and farms. Similar operations involved helicopters and Canadair aircraft in Marche, Umbria, Foggia province and other parts of central Italy.

Local authorities have issued heat‑wave alerts and preventive ordinances, such as the June‑October fire‑prevention order in Avezzano, and regional agencies stress the need for stricter enforcement and community awareness to curb the largely human‑origin fires.