Wildfire engulfs Italy's State Road 172 between Taranto and Martina Franca

A large wildfire broke out on the afternoon of today along State Road 172, the artery linking Martina Franca and Taranto in southern Italy. The blaze consumed roughly 55‑60 hectares of Mediterranean scrub and dry vegetation near the Statte interchange, fueled by high temperatures. Thick black smoke drifted for kilometres, reducing visibility and disrupting traffic on the road.

Firefighters from the Taranto provincial command, local fire stations and volunteers of the Civil Protection were deployed on the ground, while police managed traffic and ensured safety. A regional helicopter and a Canadair aircraft provided aerial water drops to contain the fire, which was described as hard to access in some sections. Authorities said the extinguishing and subsequent cleanup operations would take several days, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.