Forest fire trends and management in Italy

Italy is experiencing a complex situation regarding forest fires and woodland management. A report by Legambiente indicates that while national forest coverage has reached 37 percent of the territory, wildfires have increased significantly. Between January 1 and October 15, 2026, the country recorded 2,223 fires, representing a 20.5 percent increase from the previous year. Southern regions, including Sicily, Calabria, and Puglia, have been particularly hard hit by these fires.

In contrast to the national trend, the Calabria Regional Council reported a 41 percent decrease in forest fires compared to the 2015 to 2024 average. This regional improvement is attributed to a strategy focused on prevention and deterrence, including the use of specialized drone pilots to monitor territory and combat illegal activities.

Broader management challenges persist across the country. Legambiente notes that only 21 percent of forest surfaces are currently planned and 11 percent are actively managed. The organization is calling for increased government certification and planning of forest surfaces to support biodiversity and the ecological transition.