by InTrieste
Wildfires remained active across parts of Friuli Venezia Giulia on Sunday evening, with firefighters, civil protection volunteers and aircraft deployed at several fronts as authorities continued to monitor the threat to communities and air quality.
The latest regional update, issued at 7:30 p.m., reported active fires near Monte Amariana and Cuel Feltron in Amaro, Monte Palavierte near Illegio, Monte Nero near Tarvisio, Monte Naiarda near Tramonti di Sotto and Sella Rauna near Ugovizza.
In Pissebus, a hamlet of Tolmezzo, residents were evacuated as a precaution after flames approached within about 50 meters of homes overnight. High- and medium-voltage power lines remained disconnected. The situation had partially stabilized, but the area remained under close observation.
Firefighting operations near Amaro continued with a regional helicopter and a Canadair aircraft from Italy’s national aerial fleet. Civil protection volunteers from municipalities across the region were working alongside firefighters on the ground.
Several roads remained closed. The regional road UD 125 between Tolmezzo and Amaro was shut to traffic, with vehicles diverted onto State Road 52. The road toward Illegio was also temporarily closed after flames spread toward several mountain farmsteads. The buildings at Pelons, Savale, Sapadici and Plezzis were reported to be safe.
Two Slovenian aircraft joined firefighting operations near Illegio late Sunday, adding to the aerial resources already deployed across the region.
Elsewhere, the fire on Monte Nero in Val Saisera, near Tarvisio, remained stable at the summit, although fumaroles were still visible. On Monte Naiarda, flames continued to move slowly along a ridge, while the front remained stable and under observation. A smaller fire at Sella Rauna, believed to have been caused by lightning, affected an area of about five square meters.
Earlier Sunday, regional Gov. Massimiliano Fedriga said the situation remained at an alert level rather than an extreme emergency, while urging residents in affected areas to take precautions, particularly those most vulnerable to smoke.
Health authorities advised people to limit time outdoors, keep windows and doors closed and avoid strenuous physical activity. FFP2 or FFP3 masks were recommended for those who must go outside.
The regional environmental agency, ARPA, warned that PM10 levels could exceed daily limits as winds push smoke toward the But Valley.
Authorities said the evolution of the fires would depend heavily on weather conditions in the coming days. Deputy Environment Minister Vania Gava said procedures had been activated to seek a national state of emergency and access funds for damage compensation.
The regional government has also said it will introduce measures to support affected businesses and compensate for losses. Agriculture officials reported that about 70 head of livestock had been moved to safety, with efforts now focused on maintaining food supplies for affected farms.
As of 8:45 p.m. Sunday, firefighting and monitoring operations remain underway across the region.
