Terrestrial ecosystems and forest fires in Italy: fire season 2024
In Italy, from 15 June to 15 September 2024, 45783 hectares (ha) of total surface area were affected by large wildfires, of which 8890 hectares can be can be attributed to forest cover. The forest category most affected is the Mediterranean forest and scrub (48%), oak and mixed forests (33%).
The regions most severely impacted are Sicily, Calabria, Lazio, Sardinia and Campania, collectively accounting for approximately 85% of the national territory affected by large wildfires. In terms of the extent of forest areas impacted, Sicily accounts for 2178 ha, Calabria for 1808 ha, Sardinia for 1691 ha and Campania for 1065 ha. The provinces most affected by extensive forest fires are Nuoro (789 ha), Cosenza (769 ha), Reggio Calabria (694 ha) and Enna (683 ha).
It is estimated that approximately 27% of forest ecosystems affected by wildfires during the "2024 Fire Season" are located in protected areas.