Mass evacuation of 400+ tourists from Peschichi as wildfire rages in Apulia
A large wildfire broke out in the coastal community of Peschichi in Italy’s Apulia region. The fire prompted the Italian Coast Guard to evacuate more than 400 tourists and swimmers by sea, the only viable escape route.
The evacuation effort continues, with about 300 people still awaiting transport. Six Coast Guard vessels, three financial‑police boats and roughly ten private craft have been deployed, and a Canadair aircraft has been sent from Rome to assist. The blaze has not threatened homes, but smoke plumes are visible for dozens of kilometres. Mayor Luigi d’Arenzo told the local newspaper La Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno that the situation is currently under control.
Entities: Apulia · Canadair · Canadair aircraft · Italian Coast Guard · Luigi D'Arenzo · Peschichi · Peschici
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Mayor Luigi D'Arenzo said the situation was under control. (all)
- [● 4 SOURCES] The fire was not threatening any residences in the community. (all)
- [● 4 SOURCES] A Canadair air‑tanker from Rome was expected to arrive to help fight the fire. (all)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Six coast guard vessels, three Finance Police ships and about ten private boats were deployed for the evacuation. (all)
- [● 4 SOURCES] More than 400 tourists and beachgoers were evacuated by sea from Peschici because of a wildfire. (all)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Approximately 300 additional people remained to be evacuated after the initial wave. (all)
- [● 4 SOURCES] A plume of smoke from the fire was visible from tens of kilometres away. (all)