Wildfires in Italy today
So far in 2026, 109,666 hectares have burned in Italy — 92% above the 20-year average. Right now 3 wildfires are burning.
109,666 hectares so far this year, 92% above the average. Out of the 26 countries the European system tracks, Italy is the 3rd furthest above its own average.
Named fires in Italy
Detailed reports with satellite imagery and data.
Burning right now “Contained” doesn’t mean out. It’s the share of the perimeter where crews stopped the spread. In most of Europe it isn’t published; “not held back yet” is an official 0%.
See all fires in Italy →We email you when satellites detect new fire in the area. Free, no account.
About wildfires in Italy
Italy faces recurring wildfire threats, particularly in the southern regions and islands. Sicily, Sardinia, Calabria, and Campania experience the most intense fire activity during the summer months. Many Italian wildfires are arson-related, with criminal fires accounting for a significant percentage of ignitions.
The 2021 fire season was exceptionally severe, with Sicily experiencing record temperatures and devastating fires. The 2023 fires on Rhodes prompted discussions about Mediterranean fire preparedness.
Our tracker monitors all fire hotspots across Italy's 20 regions in real-time.
Today's situation
One fire is still burning in Italy, covering some 100 hectares. The biggest by far is near Santa Cristina Gela, at around 100 hectares. Four more broke out over the past week.
It is a hard year. Italy has lost 114,361 hectares so far in 2025, double its usual 57,227 — well above normal, the 3rd worst figure among the 26 countries Copernicus tracks. Most of what is burning is agricultural land and forest.
Around Santa Cristina Gela it is warm, with a moderate breeze and no rain in sight for the next 48 hours.
Updated 3 Oct
Italy wildfire season
Italy's wildfire season peaks in summer, from June to September, when heat and drought are most intense. The south and the islands — Sicily, Sardinia, Calabria and Campania — see the heaviest fire activity, though central regions and even the north can burn during severe heat waves.
Unusually for Europe, a significant share of Italian fires are deliberately set. Civil protection and the state forestry corps mobilise aircraft and ground crews across the country during high-risk periods.
Notable wildfires in history
- 2023 Sicily Fires
Fires around Palermo during an extreme heat wave forced evacuations and temporarily shut the city's airport.
- 2021 Sicily & Sardinia
Sicily recorded 48.8°C — a European heat record — amid destructive fires, while Sardinia's Montiferru fire burned around 20,000 hectares and displaced hundreds.
- 2007 Southern Italy
One of the deadliest fire summers on record swept southern Italy, with dozens of deaths across Calabria, Sicily and beyond.
Main causes & risk factors
- Hot, dry Mediterranean summers and intensifying heat waves
- A significant share of fires deliberately set (arson)
- Flammable Mediterranean scrub and abandoned farmland
- Drought that leaves vegetation tinder-dry
- Strong winds that spread flames across the south and islands
Safety & preparedness
- Call 112 (or 1515 for the forestry corps) to report fire immediately
- Never burn stubble or light fires outdoors during high-risk periods
- Keep vegetation and debris cleared around rural homes
- Follow evacuation instructions from Protezione Civile promptly
- Avoid smoke-affected areas and monitor local air quality
Affiliate links — at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
When is wildfire season in Italy?
Mainly June to September, peaking in July and August, when Mediterranean heat and drought are most extreme.
Where do most wildfires happen in Italy?
The south and the islands — Sicily, Sardinia, Calabria and Campania — see the most intense fire activity.
Why are there so many arson fires in Italy?
A significant share of Italian wildfires are deliberately set, often linked to land clearing or criminal activity, which is why prevention and enforcement matter.
Where does this map's fire data come from?
Every hotspot comes from NASA's FIRMS system, using VIIRS satellites that detect active fires worldwide and update several times a day.
Is this Italy wildfire map free?
Yes — it's completely free and needs no sign-up. You can track active fires across Italy and the world in real time.