by InTrieste
A wildfire burning in the Carnia area of Friuli Venezia Giulia region intensified over the weekend, crossing the Rio Confine and spreading into the municipality of Tolmezzo.
The flames are approaching Pissebus, a locality in Tolmezzo that was evacuated by order of Mayor Francesco Vicentini on Saturday as the fire moved closer to residential areas.
The blaze flared sharply at about 5:30 p.m. Saturday, spreading across Mount Amarianute. Firefighting operations resumed from the air at first light Sunday.
On Saturday, two helicopters operated by the regional air service joined a Canadair water bomber and a state fleet helicopter in efforts to contain the fire. Slovenia also deployed Air Tractor Fire Boss aircraft under a cross-border emergency response agreement, while drone teams monitored the fire from the ground.
High- and medium-voltage power lines in the affected area remained shut down as a safety precaution.
Ground operations were coordinated by the Paluzza Forest Service, with support from volunteer civil protection teams from several municipalities, including Tolmezzo, Amaro, Gemona, Venzone and Pontebba. Overnight crews maintained a presence in the area, with volunteers from Tarcento and Tricesimo supporting the forest service.
Regional Civil Protection Director Fabio Aristei and Riccardo Riccardi, the regional official responsible for civil protection, are expected at the site Sunday morning to assess the situation and coordinate the response.
Authorities continue to focus on containing the fire as changing conditions threaten to push the flames beyond the boundaries initially established for the firefighting operation.
