Large fire in Tuscany forces evacuation of around 3,000 people

Italian firefighters were battling adverse wind conditions to put out a large forest fire in Tuscany that has forced the evacuation of around 3,000 people on Friday (May 1).

The fire, active since Tuesday (April 28), has spread over 800 hectares on Mount Faeta, between the provinces of Lucca and Pisa, the mayor of a neighbouring town, San Giuliano Terme, said.

Overnight, strong wind further fuelled the fire prompting the precautionary evacuations, Tuscany regional President Eugenio Giani said in a statement. 

Three Canadair fire planes have been deployed to try to put out the flames, supporting ground staff, the national fire department said on X. 

Production: Oriana Boselli/Reuters