Visitors relocated from Italian countryside town due to escalating forest fire

Thousands of campers have been relocated from the coastal resort community in Puglia's Gargano region following the outbreak of a large forest fire near Baia di Campi village.

The blaze ignited early on Wednesday morning at the bay of San Felice, situated close to Vieste within the Gargano peninsula in northern Puglia. Strong winds propelled the flames towards the resort town hosting upwards of 1,20 cv guests near its origination point.

Firefighters mobilized three Canadair water droppers and a helicopter to combat the fire's progression. Mayor Giuseppe Nobiletti described the scenario as dire for local press outlets.

Residents lacking private transport were evacuated via sea vessels, finding refuge in Vieste’s communal sports complex.

Recent months have witnessed numerous wildfires across Italy, predominantly affecting southern areas and islands like Sardinia and Sicily due to prolonged heatwaves. Such fires led to the loss of over 10,000 hectares (24,700 acres) as reported by Coldiretti since last month alone.

A recent firefighting fatality occurred near Matera in Basilicata when two rescuers perished attempting to aid a family adjacent to an inferno. Foggia's prosecutors are examining potential causes of the present incident, with hints at arson.

Historically, Puglia has seen forest fires predominantly caused by human actions, whether inadvertent or intentional. This wildfire coincided with commemorating a 17-year anniversary when a fire near Vieste and Peschici claimed lives and wounded many on July 25 last year. A previous incident two years prior involved the destruction of 250 hectares at San Felice bay, prompting evacuations of tourists from campsites and hotels.