Premosello, Italy faces critical wildfire forcing evacuation of Colloro

Intense wildfire activity continues in the Verbano‑Cusio‑Ossola area of Piedmont, with three active fronts threatening the villages of Cuzzago, Premosello and the frazione of Colloro. Strong wind gusts have pushed flames toward residential zones, prompting officials to order a precautionary evacuation of about 250 residents from Colloro.

Firefighting efforts involve multiple Canadair water‑bombers, an Erickson S64 helicopter and a regional helicopter for precision drops, supported by ground crews from the fire brigade, civil protection volunteers and local police. The regional president and prefect have been briefed on the situation, and the mayor of Piedmontese town Piedimulera offered facilities to house displaced people. Air‑quality monitoring shows a sharp rise in particulate matter and black carbon.

Other fire fronts in the province of Vercelli and the Turin area remain under control, and the situation in Val Vigezzo has been stabilised. Authorities continue to monitor the fire’s progress and assess risks to nearby alpine pastures and animal shelters.