Wildfires sweep Ruvo di Puglia, Italy, prompting massive rescue effort

On 21 June 2026 a series of simultaneous forest fires erupted in the agro of Ruvo di Puglia, southern Italy. The most severe blaze broke out around noon in the Bosco di Zio Venanzio in Contrada Patanella, while additional fires ignited in Tratturo Pozzo Serpi and Contrada Alfieri.

Local Guardie Campestri di Ruvo played a key logistical role, locating wells, springs and water sources and escorting firefighting units along rural roads. They coordinated with Carabinieri Forestali, the Vigili del Fuoco and ARIF personnel to keep water tankers refilled and ensure rapid movement of crews, helping to contain the fire and protect the surrounding environment.