by MK
Fire officials in Friuli Venezia Giulia on Wednesday presented a report on the recent wildfire near Padriciano, saying a rapid, coordinated response helped prevent the blaze from reaching a nearby nursing home despite high fire risk across the region.
The fire, which burned approximately 22 hectares of woodland and scrubland on the Karst plateau, was described as a “classic forest wildfire” that posed its greatest threat to the Leralla nursing home. Although evacuation plans were prepared, officials said residents never had to be moved.
“This was a forest fire where our priority was protecting the nearby nursing home,” said Luigi Giudice, regional director of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Fire Brigade.
Firefighters deployed 26 operational teams, supported by the Drago firefighting helicopter from Venice, regional Civil Protection aircraft and three drones. Officials said the drones played a key role in mapping the fire, identifying hotspots and helping commanders plan operations more effectively. They also noted that drone technology can assist in locating people through mobile phone signals during emergency situations.
The wildfire came as Friuli Venezia Giulia remains under its highest wildfire alert level, reflecting an elevated risk driven by prolonged hot and dry conditions. Since the start of the high-risk season, firefighters have responded to 369 wildfire-related incidents across the region, including 207 in Udine province, 90 in Pordenone, 45 in Trieste and 37 in Gorizia.
Officials said 2022 remains the benchmark for the region’s most severe wildfire season and expressed hope that this year will not reach similar levels.
Authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and report any signs of smoke or new fire outbreaks immediately, emphasizing that early detection remains one of the most effective tools for limiting the spread of wildfires.
The report was presented by Luigi Giudice, regional director of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Fire Brigade, and Lorenzo Pecorella, emergency coordinator for the Trieste Fire Brigade command.
