Around 3,000 residents evacuated in Tuscany as winds fan forest fire
Around 3,000 residents were evacuated in Tuscany as strong winds exacerbated a forest fire that has burned 800 hectares on Mount Faeta since Tuesday. Italian firefighters, supported by three Canadair planes, are working to contain the blaze, which is believed to have started from uncontrolled burning of olive tree prunings. Authorities warn the situation remains unstable due to ongoing windy conditions.
- ▪The forest fire has been burning since Tuesday on Mount Faeta, spanning the provinces of Lucca and Pisa.
- ▪Approximately 3,000 people were evacuated as a precaution due to the fire's spread fueled by strong winds.
- ▪Tuscany regional president Eugenio Giani confirmed evacuations were prompted by worsening fire conditions overnight.
- ▪The fire is suspected to have originated from the uncontrolled burning of olive tree prunings, according to San Giuliano Terme mayor Matteo Cecchelli.
- ▪Three Canadair firefighting planes have been deployed alongside ground crews to combat the blaze.
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Around 3,000 residents evacuated in Tuscany as winds fan forest fireSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPublished May 01, 2026, 08:33 PMUpdated May 01, 2026, 08:38 PMListenROME, May 1 - Italian firefighters were on Friday battling to put out a large forest fire in Tuscany that has burned for days fanned by strong winds, forcing the evacuation of around 3,000 people.The fire, active since Tuesday, has spread over 800 hectares on Mount Faeta, straddling the provinces of Lucca and Pisa, the mayor of a neighbouring town, San Giuliano Terme, said.It was likely provoked by the burning of olive tree prunings that got out of hand, Matteo Cecchelli told public broadcaster RAI.Overnight, strong winds fuelled the fire, prompting the precautionary evacuations, Tuscany regional…
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