WWF warns of rising wildfire intensity in Italy

A new report from WWF Italia warns of the increasing intensity of wildfires, noting that approximately 70,000 hectares have been burned in Italy so far in 2026. This represents a 133% increase compared to the average of the last twenty years. Nearly one-third of these fires have affected protected areas.

In the Abruzzo region, significant fires have impacted areas including Lucoli, Roio, Bagno, Rocca di Mezzo, Pescina, and Collarmele. Across Europe, roughly 435,000 hectares have burned, which is 100,000 hectares more than the same period in 2025.

Data from the Copernicus climate program indicates that Europe has experienced its hottest June-July period on record. The report emphasizes that climate change is making fires more frequent and intense, urging institutions to shift focus from emergency response to prevention through sustainable forest management, territorial planning, and ecosystem protection.