Fires in 2026 have already destroyed an area almost the size of Rome

The surface area burned due to fires is growing. And 2026 in Italy turns out to be particularly critical, with values ​​of total surface burned among the highest in recent years. From 1 January to 15 September 2026, 2,076 large forest fires were recorded, for a total burned area of ​​more than 1200 square kilometres, just under the municipal area of ​​Roma Capitale.

The estimates, which come from the update of ISPRA data on fires, highlight that the wooded areas affected by fire correspond to almost 200 square kilometers (16% of the total surface area affected by fires). In particular, 78 square kilometers of oak and mixed forests were affected, 65 of high scrub, holm oak and cork oak forests, 44 of evergreen coniferous forests, 0.26 of larch forests and 11 of unclassified tree surfaces.

As of 15 September 2026, there were large forest fires in all Italian regions. Sicily is the most affected geographical context, contributing to 55% of the total areas burned on a national scale. Calabria and Puglia both represent a value around 10%. For northern Italy the most affected region is Piedmont (4%) and for central Abruzzo (4%).

Also for 2026, the province of Agrigento appears to be the one most affected by fires, with a total burned area of ​​222 square kilometers and a forest portion of approximately 15 square kilometers involved.

«Today we have data and knowledge that allow us to better understand the extent of forest fires, the damage they cause and the impacts on ecosystems, biodiversity and the territory - says Maria Alessandra Gallone, president of ISPRA and SNPA -. We know what we have to deal with and what the consequences of fire are on our natural heritage. This knowledge must be translated into concrete actions: we have the months leading up to next summer to strengthen prevention, improve intervention capacity and promote more conscious management of the territory."