Wildfire smoke from Como and Piedmont affects Varese

Smoke from large wildfires in the Como and Piedmont regions has caused widespread acrid odors and visible haze across the Varese province in Italy. The smoke from the fire on Monte Goi near Como has been burning for 24 hours, traveling through the Lanza Valley and affecting numerous locations including Varese, Azzate, Gallarate, and areas near the Swiss border.

In addition to the Como fire, a large blaze at Monte Barone in the Biellese mountains of Piedmont is also contributing to the smoke levels in the Varesotto area. The Varese fire department reported receiving over 150 emergency calls regarding the presence of smoke, which overwhelmed their switchboards. Authorities have issued an appeal to the public to only call emergency services if they observe smoke rising vertically from a specific, identifiable point, noting that there are currently no active forest fires within the Varese province itself.