Italy wildfire season 2026

Italy experienced a severe wildfire season in 2026, characterized by a significant increase in both fire frequency and burned land area compared to 2025. Nationally, total burned areas exceeded 1,200 km² between mid-June and mid-September, marking a rise of more than 40% over the previous year. Sicily was the most heavily impacted region, accounting for 55% of the total burned area, while Puglia and Calabria each contributed approximately 10%. A substantial portion of the damage occurred within protected zones, with over 30% of the total burned surface falling within National Parks, Nature Reserves, and Natura 2000 sites.

In the Puglia region specifically, authorities reported 3,376 fires between June 1 and September 15, which was approximately 1,000 more than in 2025. Significant increases in fire activity were noted in the provinces of Barletta-Andria-Trani, Bari, Lecce, and Foggia. Regional officials noted that the season began earlier than usual, with interventions starting in mid-May. Efforts to manage the crisis included addressing intentional arson and developing new regional plans for forest fire prevention and active combat.