At least 200 evacuated as wildfire spreads near Lake Garda

At least 200 people were evacuated on Monday as a fast-moving wildfire tore through forests near Lake Garda, one of Italy’s most popular tourist spots. Firefighters battled flames that started in the municipality of Tignale on the lake’s western shore, sending plumes of smoke over the water and forcing holidaymakers to flee. No injuries have been reported so far, but local officials warned that shifting winds could spread the fire into populated areas.

This part of northern Italy is in the grip of an early heatwave, with temperatures already above 35°C and little rain for weeks. The region has also seen a sharp rise in tourism this summer, with visitors flocking to the lake’s resorts and campsites. Fire risk maps from Italy’s Civil Protection agency show the area is at “high” or “very high” risk, meaning any spark can quickly turn into an out-of-control blaze. Climate scientists link the growing severity of such fires to longer dry seasons and hotter summers, trends that have become more pronounced across southern Europe in recent years.

Firefighters from Lombardy and Veneto are on the scene with water-dropping planes, but the terrain is steep and rugged, making access difficult. Around 50 homes and holiday cabins have been evacuated as a precaution, though authorities say the main blaze is still contained to woodland. Local hotels have opened their doors to displaced guests, while campers were told to move to safer zones. The fire service has asked residents to keep windows closed and avoid outdoor activities to reduce smoke inhalation.

If the winds shift east, the flames could reach the lakeside villages of Tremosine or Limone sul Garda, home to thousands of residents and holidaymakers. Firefighters plan to dig firebreaks overnight and bring in more reinforcements from neighboring provinces. The incident comes just weeks after another major wildfire near Rome forced the evacuation of 3,000 people, underlining how Italy’s summer fire season is starting earlier and burning hotter. With climate projections warning of more extreme weather, the question now is whether local infrastructure and emergency plans can keep pace with the growing threat.