Forest Fire Forces Residents in Tuscany, Italy to Evacuate

JAKARTA - About 3,500 people were forced to leave their homes due to a massive forest fire that hit the Tuscan mountain region, Italy.

It was reported by the Corriere Toscano news portal on Friday, May 1, that the fire triggered by strong winds had destroyed about 400 hectares of forest in the provinces of Lucca and Pisa.

The approaching fire forced local authorities to evacuate 3,500 residents of Asciano Village.

The office of the mayor of San Giuliano Terme, the region that oversees Asciano, asked residents not to use private vehicles.

Firefighting equipment has been deployed, including one helicopter and three Canadair amphibious aircraft operating since morning.

Two temporary shelters have also been prepared for evacuated residents, one of which is specifically for people with disabilities and residents who need medical care.