Italy wildfire season 2026 sees 40% increase in burned area

Italy has experienced a severe wildfire season in 2026, with total burned areas exceeding 1,200 km² between June 15 and September 15. This represents an increase of more than 40% compared to the 2025 season. Data from ISPRA and the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) indicate that 2026 is among the most critical years in the 2018–2025 historical series.

Sicily has been the most heavily impacted region, accounting for 55% of the total burned area in Italy. Other significant impacts were noted in Calabria and Puglia, each contributing approximately 10%. Within the forest ecosystems specifically, nearly 200 km² were affected, including deciduous broadleaf forests, evergreen broadleaf forests, and coniferous forests. A notable ecological event also occurred in the Alpine region involving larch forests.

Environmental protection areas are highly vulnerable, with over 30% of the total burned surface in Italy falling within National Parks, Nature Reserves, and Natura 2000 sites. Furthermore, approximately 40% of the total forest area burned during this period was located within these protected zones.