On August 20, 2025, wildfires swept through northern Sicily, leading to the evacuation of approximately 700 tourists from a hotel and resulting in two deaths. The fires, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, affected the San Vito Lo Capo area, prompting a rapid response from local authorities. Firefighters deployed 150 personnel, supported by 40 vehicles and five helicopters, to combat the blazes, which spread across 1,200 hectares of land. The regional government activated emergency protocols, coordinating with the Italian Civil Protection Department to manage the crisis. Two elderly individuals, aged 78 and 82, succumbed to smoke inhalation, while no injuries were reported among the evacuated tourists. The operation included the closure of a 12-kilometer stretch of the A29 highway to ensure safety and facilitate firefighting efforts. Over the past week, Sicily experienced temperatures averaging 95°F, exacerbating the fire risk. Authorities reported that containment efforts reached 70% by August 21, with plans to assess damages and restore access to affected areas. The incident highlighted the region’s ongoing preparedness, with 15 fire stations across Sicily maintaining round-the-clock operations during the summer season. Local officials are reviewing the response strategy, with additional resources allocated to prevent further outbreaks.
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