Forest ecosystems and fires: update 27 July 2023

The extension of the areas covered by large forest fires in Italy in 2023 is increasing, exceeding 44,000 hectares, of which over 7,400 ha of forest ecosystems.
The forests involved are mostly Mediterranean scrub (62%) and pine forest (23%). In addition, 95% of the areas burned to date are in Sicily and Calabria.
The province of Palermo (14670 hec, of which 24% forests), the province of Reggio Calabria (7000 hec, 15% forests) and the province of Syracuse (1540 hec, 20% forests) were affected.
The number of protected natural areas with forest ecosystems affected by fire is also growing: those most affected are in the province of Palermo (7), in the province of Syracuse (1) and in the province of Messina (1).