2021 Sardinia wildfires

The 2021 Sardinia wildfires are multiple wildfires happening in Sardinia, Italy since 24 July 2021.[2]

2021 Sardinia wildfires
The Montiferru at Cuglieri
LocationMontiferru
Province of Oristano
Sardinia, Italy[1]
Statistics
Total area20,000 hectares
Cost>3 billion euros
Date(s)24 July 2021–August 2021
CauseOrganized arson

On July 24, 2021, the Montiferru area, in Oristano province, was hit by a wildfire, which broke out between Bonarcado and Santu Lussurgiu, forcing the inhabitants of the towns of Cuglieri and Scano di Montiferro to flee for safety.[3][4][5] It will take at least 15 years to rebuild the woods and the Mediterranean trees destroyed by the flames that have reached pastures, olive trees, sheds, barns with fodder stocks and agricultural vehicles, but also killed animals and represent a calamity costing incalculable damage to agriculture in over 20 thousand hectares burned.[6] The millennial olive tree of Sa Tanca Manna, symbol of Cuglieri and an example of botanical archeology, was apparently destroyed by flames.[7] However, later reports indicated that the millennial olive tree of Sa Tanca Manna may be able to survive the wildfire.[8][9]

Timeline

July
Montiferru

The high temperatures and the wind fueled the fire that spread quickly, first surrounding Santu Lussurgiu and then moving to Cuglieri. The small town was besieged by flames all night, displacing 200 people. The 155 inhabitants of Sennariolo, which is located a few kilometers nearby, were also displaced. At dawn the launches of water by Canadair and helicopters firefighting from the sky resumed, but after a slight respite, with the passing of the hours and with the increase in temperatures and the strength of the wind, the flames regained strength, burning everything. The fire front moved to Porto Alabe, frazione of Tresnuraghes.[3]

The flames also reached Scano di Montiferro, where some homes were evacuated and 400 people displaced, including guests of an assistance facility for the elderly and Borore in the Province of Nuoro with 30 other evacuated families.[3]

To extinguish the wildfires and secure the villagers, 7,500 men were employed including Sardinian Forestry Corps, Vigili del fuoco, Protezione Civile, volunteers, but also the Italian Red Cross, Carabinieri and Polizia di Stato, 7 Italian Canadair firefighting in flight, plus 2 Canadair arrived from France and 11 helicopters from the regional fleet, including the Super Puma, a Vigili del fuoco helicopter and an Italian Army helicopter.[3] Almost 27 years have passed since the last wildfire in Montiferru was in August 1994.[3]

August
Marghine

On 10 August 2021, wildfires on the border with the territories of Birori and Bortigali destroyed an area of 180 hectares. On 11 August 2021, new wildfires reactivated in the province of Nuoro and in the Province of Ogliastra. A large front of fire has opened in Borore, in the Marghine. The Sardinian Forestry Corps, volunteers and Protezione Civile, 5 helicopters and 1 Canadair firefighting in flight were present to extinguish the wildfires. [10]
On 16 August 2021, wildfires in Gallura[11]

International assistance

The following countries offered assistance:

Reactions

The President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella visited the Italian Air Force base, in Alghero. Subsequently, on board a helicopter, he flew over the areas of Oristano affected by the very serious arsons at the end of July.[12]

Seeing directly the devastation caused by the arsons makes us understand the immense extent of the damage caused to the lives of the affected municipalities and their territory, and the damage caused to the future of young people. Whoever is guilty has a very serious responsibility on his conscience.

— President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella, 13 August 2021


Aftermath

Causes and arson arrests

On 10 August 2021, investigations are underway by the Sardinian Forestry Corps, Carabinieri and Polizia di Stato to ascertain those responsible for the arson fires.[13]

Financial assistance

No non-repayable funds will be disbursed, but economic support for projects for the forest protection and enhancement of the territory.[14][15]

References
  1. "Incendi in Italia, 2021 annus horribilis: superato il picco del 2017". tgcom24.mediaset.it. tgcom24.mediaset.it. 17 August 2021. Retrieved 17 August 2021.
  2. "Sardegna in fiamme, vasto rogo nel Montiferru". ansa.it. ansa.it. 24 July 2021. Retrieved 11 August 2021.
  3. "Per i roghi 1500 sfollati in Sardegna. Oltre 20mila ettari in fumo". ansa.it. ansa.it. 25 July 2021. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
  4. "Incendi, rogo nell'Oristanese: sfollate centinaia di persone Ventimila ettari di territorio divorati dalle fiamme". tgcom24.mediaset.it. tgcom24.mediaset.it. 25 July 2021. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
  5. "Vasto rogo nell'Oristanese, 1500 persone sfollate. Dalla Francia 2 Canadair di rinforzo agli 8 già all'opera. Decretato stato d'emergenza". ilsecoloxix.it. ilsecoloxix.it. 25 July 2021. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
  6. "Incendi in Sardegna, fiamme ancora attive Coldiretti: 15 anni per ripristinare i boschi incendiati". tgcom24.mediaset.it. tgcom24.mediaset.it. 26 July 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
  7. "Rogo nell'Oristanese, in fumo l'olivastro millenario di Cuglieri". tgcom24.mediaset.it. tgcom24.mediaset.it. 26 July 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
  8. "Una speranza dai roghi dell'Oristanese: non tutto sembra perduto per l'olivastro millenario di Cuglieri". tgcom24.mediaset.it. tgcom24.mediaset.it. 29 July 2021. Retrieved 29 July 2021.
  9. Pianigiani, Gaia (22 August 2021). "Sardinian Village Tries to Save an Ancient Tree Scorched by Fire". The New York Times. Retrieved 2021-08-23.
  10. "Ancora incendi in Sardegna: bruciano Nuorese e Ogliastra, in volo anche i Canadair". lanuovasardegna.it. lanuovasardegna.it. 11 August 2021. Retrieved 11 August 2021.
  11. "Incendi:fiamme vicino case, alcune evacuazioni in Gallura". ansa.it. ansa.it. 16 August 2021. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
  12. "Mattarella sorvola le zone colpite dagli incendi: 'responsabilità gravissime'". ansa.it. ansa.it. 13 August 2021. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  13. "Appica il fuoco a bosco e oliveto, arrestato". ansa.it. ansa.it. 10 August 2021. Retrieved 11 August 2021.
  14. "Rogo Oristanese: manca legge su ristori, opposizione attacca". ansa.it. ansa.it. 11 August 2021. Retrieved 11 August 2021.
  15. "Rogo Oristanese: Patuanelli, vicino a territori, Stato c'è". ansa.it. ansa.it. 10 August 2021. Retrieved 11 August 2021.
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