# Wildfires and suspected arson in Italy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/wildfires-and-suspected-arson-in-italy
> Updated: 2026-08-26T22:25:09.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 3.

Wildfires have been reported across various Italian provinces, including Teramo, where firefighters utilized aerial support such as the Erickson S-64 ‘Cochise’ and ‘Lupo Grigio’ helicopters to contain blazes in the Varano area.

In the Puglia region, officials are addressing a significant surge in fires. Regional President Antonio Decaro reported that 103 fires have affected the area since the start of the year, destroying 8,370 hectares of land. Authorities suspect arson, with Decaro noting that statistically, “99% are human-caused.” In response, the government is deploying Fire Boss amphibious ultralight aircraft to support existing Canadair planes, alongside allocating 1.4 million euros for firefighting ground vehicles and 10 million euros for reforestation. Law enforcement is increasing surveillance through drones to identify those responsible.

Recent devastating fires in Ginosa have caused significant territorial damage and forced the evacuation of local residents. In light of these events, Regional Councilor Annagrazia Angolano and Senator Mario Turco have called for a thorough investigation to determine the causes and identify responsible parties. To improve emergency response, Senator Turco has proposed establishing a stable operational base for Canadair firefighting aircraft at the Arlotta airport to facilitate quicker interventions across central-southern Puglia.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-26: Ginosa fires prompt calls for investigation and firefighting base

Wildfires in Ginosa, Italy, have forced evacuations and caused extensive damage, prompting calls for investigations and a permanent firefighting aircraft base in Puglia.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ginosa-fires-prompt-calls-for-investigation-and-firefighting-base

### 2026-08-26: Puglia officials combat surge in suspected arson wildfires

Puglia President Antonio Decaro has announced emergency measures, including new aircraft and 11.4 million euros for firefighting and reforestation, to combat a surge of suspected arson fires.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/puglia-officials-combat-surge-in-suspected-arson-wildfires

### 2026-08-10: Italy: Attempted fuel station theft and regional wildfires reported

Emergency services in Italy responded to an attempted fuel station theft near Bisceglie and multiple forest fires in the Teramo province requiring aerial firefighting support.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-attempted-fuel-station-theft-and-regional-wildfires-reported

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Cite as: Wildfires and suspected arson in Italy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/wildfires-and-suspected-arson-in-italy