ROME: The fire brigade on Wednesday ordered the evacuation of a campsite and holiday village hosting around 1,200 holidaymakers as a precautionary measure due to a major wildfire in a forest around San Felice Bay, near the Puglia seaside town of Vieste.
According to the Italian News Agency (ANSA), tourists without cars were being taken by boat to a gymnasium provided by the Vieste town council.
Two Canadair planes and a fire brigade helicopter, along with fire-engine teams on the ground were in action to combat the flames, which were being pushed towards the holiday village by strong winds.
A probe has been opened into the blaze and arson is suspected, said Carabinieri Lieutenant Colonel Giuliano Palomba, who is coordinating the investigation.