SAN GIULIANO TERME, Italy — May 2, 2026 Tuscany wildfire eases as evacuees return
A large wildfire in Tuscany has destroyed approximately 710 hectares of vegetation and damaged multiple buildings, though the situation is now stabilizing, authorities confirmed Sunday.
Evacuations and Current Status
More than 3,500 residents were evacuated as a precautionary measure during the peak of the blaze, which threatened several communities in the region. Most have since been allowed to return home, but around 400 people remain displaced, staying with friends or in temporary shelters. Vulnerable individuals, including those requiring medical care, are being kept in facilities as a precaution.
Firefighters continue to work on extinguishing remaining hotspots, with over 100 emergency responders involved in the operation. Aerial support has been critical, with four Canadair firefighting planes and an Erickson S-64 helicopter deployed to combat the flames.
San Giuliano Terme Mayor Matteo Cecchelli acknowledged progress but cautioned that the situation is not yet fully resolved. "Die Situation verbessert sich, hat sich aber noch nicht vollständig normalisiert," he said, emphasizing that recovery efforts are ongoing.
Emergency Response and Damage Assessment
The wildfire, which spread rapidly through wooded and residential areas, caused significant damage to vegetation and infrastructure. Authorities have not yet released a full assessment of the structural losses, but multiple buildings were affected. The fire’s impact was particularly severe in areas near Asciano and the Berg Faeta region.