Piedmont wildfires force evacuations and massive aerial response

Forest fires have erupted across several mountainous areas of Italy's Piedmont region, including Verbano‑Cusio‑Ossola, the Valsesia valley and the Turin province. Strong winds have pushed flames toward the villages of Premosello, Cuzzago and the hamlet of Colloro, prompting a precautionary evacuation of about 150 residents, many of whom were moved to local gyms and care facilities.

Regional President Alberto Cirio inspected the situation on the ground, accompanied by civil‑protection officials and the provincial prefect. More than 500 firefighters, volunteers and civil‑protection crews are engaged, supported by aerial assets such as Canadair water‑bombers, an Erickson S64 helicopter and regional helicopters, each capable of dropping up to 10,000 litres of water. While some fronts have been contained, the fire fronts remain active on several ridges, and authorities continue to monitor wind‑driven spread.