"Shocking scenes"
Fire on Lake Garda: Hotel Evacuated, Vacationers Flee
A massive wildfire broke out on the western shore of Lake Garda on Friday evening. Firefighters are on the scene with firefighting planes and helicopters. Strong winds are hampering firefighting efforts. Several vacation homes and a hotel had to be evacuated.
Kronen Zeitung als bevorzugte Google-Quelle hinzufügen On Friday evening, a blazing fire front turned the sky over Olzano—a district of the municipality of Tignale on Lake Garda—deep red. A fire had broken out in a forested area above the shore.
“Engulfed by the fire”
“Terrifying scenes” unfolded around the Madonna di Castello pilgrimage church, Mayor Daniele Bonassi told the *Giornale di Brescia*. Around the church, which towers over the lake from the forest, trees and underbrush were “engulfed by the fire.” “The fire is turning the sky red and forming an extensive fire front, fanned by the wind blowing from the lake toward the mountains,” Bonassi said.
According to the local newspaper, authorities ordered the evacuation of at least five vacation homes on Friday. Most of the buildings in the affected area are tourist accommodations. Therefore, it was initially unclear whether anyone was inside. Emergency responders thus searched the area house by house before the flames drew closer.
“Fleeing the Flames”
The “Residence Panorama La Forca” hotel was also evacuated. A family of vacationers from Germany who were staying there decided to flee the fire immediately. “We had actually planned to leave for home at 4 a.m., but by fleeing the flames, we were able to depart directly and safely. Fortunately, our car was already packed. No one was injured, and all hotel guests were able to get to safety,” the father wrote on Facebook (see below). According to local media, a total of more than 200 people were brought to safety.
Major rescue operation underway
The fire was still not under control as of Saturday morning. Thick plumes of smoke are billowing over the area. Firefighters, forest police, and civil defense personnel remain on the scene. Winds reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h keep fanning the flames, making firefighting efforts more difficult.
Italy has been suffering for weeks from extreme heat and drought, which are fueling the wildfires. According to forecasts, the high temperatures are expected to continue through mid-August.
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