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Italy evacuates over 400 tourists by sea as Apulia wildfire forces beach evacuation
A large wildfire broke out on July 26, 2026 in the coastal community of Peschici in Italy's Apulia region. The blaze cut off all land routes, making the sea the only escape for visitors. The Italian Coast Guard rescued more than 400 tourists and beach‑goers by boat, supported by six coast‑guard vessels, three financial‑police ships and about ten private boats. The operation will continue to evacuate roughly another 300 people still on the shoreline.
Local authorities reported that the fire has not yet threatened homes, but heavy smoke can be seen for dozens of kilometres. A Canadair aircraft from Rome was dispatched to drop water on the flames, and Mayor Luigi d'Arenzo said the situation is currently under control while firefighting efforts continue.
Entities
Apulia · Canadair · Canadair aircraft · Italian Coast Guard · Luigi D'Arenzo · Peschichi · Peschici
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Mayor Luigi D'Arenzo said the situation was under control. www.insider.gr · www.capital.gr · www.enikos.gr · www.sofokleousin.gr
- [● 4 SOURCES] The fire was not threatening any residences in the community. www.insider.gr · www.capital.gr · www.enikos.gr · www.sofokleousin.gr
- [● 4 SOURCES] A Canadair air‑tanker from Rome was expected to arrive to help fight the fire. www.insider.gr · www.capital.gr · www.enikos.gr · www.sofokleousin.gr
- [● 4 SOURCES] Six coast guard vessels, three Finance Police ships and about ten private boats were deployed for the evacuation. www.insider.gr · www.capital.gr · www.enikos.gr · www.sofokleousin.gr
- [● 4 SOURCES] More than 400 tourists and beachgoers were evacuated by sea from Peschici because of a wildfire. www.insider.gr · www.capital.gr · www.enikos.gr · www.sofokleousin.gr
- [● 4 SOURCES] Approximately 300 additional people remained to be evacuated after the initial wave. www.insider.gr · www.capital.gr · www.enikos.gr · www.sofokleousin.gr
- [● 4 SOURCES] A plume of smoke from the fire was visible from tens of kilometres away. www.insider.gr · www.capital.gr · www.enikos.gr · www.sofokleousin.gr