More than 200 people, including holidaymakers and residents of holiday homes, were evacuated after a major wildfire broke out near Tignale on the western shore of Lake Garda. Fire crews, aircraft and helicopters remain engaged as the blaze continued to spread through mountain slopes overnight. The emergency response is focused on containing fire fronts and protecting residential buildings. The incident coincides with a prolonged heatwave — temperatures above 40°C and red heat alerts — which keeps the risk of further fires high.
More Than 200 Evacuated as Major Wildfire Rages Near Italy's Lake Garda
Firefighters battle a large wildfire in a municipality on the western shore of Lake Garda. More than 200 people, including many holidaymakers, have been evacuated due to the wildfire. (is associated with: «More than 200 evacuated as wildfire rages near Italy's Lake Garda») --/Vigili del Fuoco/dpa
More than 200 people were evacuated after a large wildfire broke out near Lake Garda in northern Italy, authorities said. The blaze is burning in the municipality of Tignale on the lake's western shore — Lake Garda is Italy's largest lake and a major tourist destination — forcing several dozen holidaymakers and residents of holiday homes to move to safety as a precaution.
Situation and Response
The fire spread rapidly through the mountains above the lakeshore on Friday evening and continued to advance overnight. By Saturday morning, numerous emergency crews remained on site attempting to bring the blaze under control, while firefighting aircraft and helicopters supported ground teams on the hardest-hit slopes.
“Efforts are currently focused on containing the fire fronts and protecting several residential buildings,” the fire service said.
Authorities coordinated evacuations from a nearby resort and several holiday properties; emergency shelters and assistance were provided to those displaced. Local and regional teams prioritized protecting homes and limiting the fire's advance toward populated areas.
Firefighters battle a large wildfire in a municipality on the western shore of Lake Garda. More than 200 people, including many holidaymakers, have been evacuated due to the wildfire. (is associated with: «More than 200 evacuated as wildfire rages near Italy's Lake Garda») --/Vigili del Fuoco/dpa
Weather and Wider Impact
The incident comes amid a prolonged heatwave across much of Italy, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in some areas. Red heat alerts remain in place for nearly all major cities, heightening public health concerns and increasing the risk of additional wildfires.
Water levels on the Po River, Italy's longest waterway, have fallen sharply, compounding drought concerns and stressing firefighting resources. Forecasters say very high temperatures are likely to persist until mid-month, keeping the fire risk elevated.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have not yet reported that the blaze is fully contained. Investigations into the fire's cause were ongoing at the time of reporting.
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