Forest fires in Sicily threaten settlements near Palermo as over 100 are evacuated

Strong winds are fueling wildfires on the Italian island of Sicily, complicating containment efforts along the highway between Palermo and Catania. More than 100 people have been evacuated to safety in Santo Stefano Quisquina.

Scraper SystemJuly 22, 2026, 08:48 PM

Forest fires in Sicily threaten settlements near Palermo as over 100 are evacuated

Strong winds are driving wildfires on the Italian island of Sicily, posing a serious threat to residential areas, particularly around Palermo. Firefighting operations are underway at full force, with the most critical front along the Palermo-Catania highway.

Evacuations were ordered in Trabia and Santo Stefano Quisquina as flames neared residential zones. In Santo Stefano Quisquina, more than 100 people were relocated to safety. The fire also forced the closure of some roads and caused power outages in the area.

Fire crews, civil defense forces, and aircraft are taking part in firefighting efforts. Helicopters and amphibious planes are attacking the flames from the air, trying to bring the spread of the fire under control.