Gargano wildfire forces sea evacuations as tourism sector counts the cost

Rome – Hundreds of tourists were evacuated by boat from beaches and campsites along the Gargano coast after a fast moving wildfire swept through the area around Peschici, reviving memories of the devastating blaze that struck the same stretch of coastline in 2007.

The fire broke out near the rural locality of Pile Fraballe before being driven by strong winds through around 150 hectares of Mediterranean scrub and Aleppo pine forest. Flames spread towards the coast, reaching the areas between Difesa di Manaccora and Baia Zaiana and prompting emergency evacuations from campsites and beaches between Peschici and Vieste.

Coast Guard and Guardia di Finanza vessels, assisted by private boats, ferried frightened holidaymakers to safety as thick smoke and flames approached the shoreline. No injuries were reported and all evacuated tourists were able to return after the situation was brought under control.

Firefighters and Civil Protection volunteers monitored the area throughout the night, while Canadair aircraft resumed water dropping operations at dawn to extinguish remaining hotspots. By later in the day, only isolated smouldering areas remained.

Peschici Mayor Luigi D'Arenzo, himself a Civil Protection volunteer since 1998, joined the firefighting efforts from the outset, helping to contain the blaze until late at night.

"It is a great responsibility and an honour because you do it with your heart," D'Arenzo said. "Seeing your own territory scarred like this is painful."

Although accommodation facilities and campsites escaped structural damage, local business associations warned that the wildfire could have serious consequences for the area's tourism industry.

Confcommercio Foggia described the blaze as a blow to the Gargano's image and visitors' confidence, while Assoturismo Capitanata estimated economic losses for local businesses at around €10 million.

Business leaders called on the Puglia regional government to strengthen wildfire prevention measures through increased surveillance, improved woodland maintenance, investment in infrastructure and closer coordination among emergency agencies.

Despite the damage, D'Arenzo sought to reassure visitors, saying beaches at Manaccora Bay had reopened and were busy the following morning.

"Everything is calm," he said, encouraging tourists to continue visiting the popular Adriatic destination.

PS