Many of the first fires that broke out in Sardinia in recent days were triggered by negligent behavior on the part of farmers and others.
This is what the initial checks by the Forestry Corps have confirmed following the fires that marked the start of the 2026 firefighting campaign.
"In recent days," the Forestry Corps explains, "several fires have broken out, which, according to investigations conducted by Forestry Corps personnel from the Cagliari Departmental Inspectorate, are attributable to agricultural work. Specifically, brush-clearing activities with machinery likely sparked the flames due to overheating of mechanical components or contact between metal parts and rocks on the ground. Incidents of this nature have been reported in the Pimentel and Villasimius areas, requiring the intervention of helicopters from the Forestry Corps' regional firefighting fleet and Canadair aircraft from the national fleet."
"Another possible case of negligent arson," the Forestry Corps continues, "is being investigated in Quartu Sant'Elena, in the Via della Musica area, near the Molentargius Saline Regional Natural Park, where a smoke bomb used during an amateur soccer match started a fire in the dry vegetation. In this case, too, the use of an aircraft was necessary to contain the flames."
Furthermore, "in the Niu Crobu area, also in the Quartu Sant'Elena area, a burning of olive tree pruning debris quickly escalated into a fire due to the presence of dry grass and environmental conditions favorable to its spread. While attempting to extinguish the flames, the owner of one of the affected plots was taken ill, resulting in his death. The event required the intervention of firefighters and a Forestry Corps aircraft."
Finally, in the Pula countryside, "the collapse of a power line insulator caused incandescent fragments to fall onto dry vegetation, sparking a fire. The prompt intervention of the Forestry Corps patrol allowed the blaze to be contained immediately, preventing more serious consequences for public safety and the environment. In this case, too, an investigation is underway to determine the culprits."
The circumstances identified thus far appear to be attributable to reckless conduct, incompetence in carrying out activities, or poor maintenance of systems and equipment. These behaviors or omissions, even in the absence of malicious intent, can lead to significant fires and significant damage to the environment.
For this reason, the Forestry Corps draws the attention of citizens and operators to the particular vegetation conditions present in the region this year, also reminding that "in cases where useful information emerges, the Forestry Corps will proceed with referral to the Judicial Authorities for the possible criminal offenses, including that of negligent arson pursuant to Article 423 bis of the Criminal Code."
(Unioneonline)