Lombardy woodland: six hundred and six hectares burned since January

Six hundred and six hectares of Lombardy woodland have burned across fifteen municipalities since the start of the year, as rising temperatures, dry vegetation, and sparse rainfall converge to heighten regional wildfire risks.

The total acreage destroyed in the first ten months of 2026 spans over six square kilometers. While that figure represents roughly 0.5 percent of the region’s total surface—a stark contrast to the 54.4 percent of territory impacted in Sicily—the concentration of fires in Italy’s northwest is drawing scrutiny from environmental monitors.

Seventeen Fires Across Lombardy

Data from Legambiente’s “La bioeconomia delle foreste 2026” report show seventeen distinct fires between January 1 and October 15, resulting in an average of more than 35 hectares reduced to ash per event. Ispra figures tracking the region through July 31 recorded 10 fires and 112 burned hectares, indicating that a significant majority of the damage accumulated during the height of the summer heat.

The blazes have touched numerous provinces. Incidents were documented in Venegono Inferiore and Laveno Mombello in Varese, Garzeno in Como, Lovero in Sondrio, Cene in Bergamo, Lumezzane in Brescia, Valmadrera in Lecco, and during a severe June fire in Montorfano within the Como territory.

Vedere una foresta bruciare è un doppio campanello d’allarme, sia per il presente sia per il futuro. Non basta far arrivare dal cielo lo spegnimento quando è troppo tardi, bisogna curare i boschi con nuove strategie di intervento e soprattutto coinvolgere i cittadini in una maggiore consapevolezza sulla cura e sui rischi che i nostri comportamenti provocano.

That observation comes from Barbara Meggetto, president of Legambiente Lombardia. Meggetto notes that while the region has updated its forest fire protocol, constant climate shifts demand regular maintenance alongside emergency suppression tactics.

Climate Risks Challenge European Biodiversity and Restoration Targets

Climatic anomalies, prolonged drought that destabilizes tree roots, and unmanaged biomass accumulation have lengthened seasonal risk windows.

The European Union’s Biodiversity Strategy aims to protect 30 percent of territory by 2030, while the Nature Restoration Law sets restoration benchmarks across at least 20 percent of terrestrial surfaces.