The first fires have already broken out. And the weather forecast for the coming days predicts "a favorable climate for the ignition and spread of fires." This is why the firefighting season in Sardinia is starting early: the commander of the Forestry Corps, Gianluca Cocco, has ordered the "early activation of a first contingent of the 2026 regional forest firefighting air force." Two helicopters will be deployed starting today, May 27, at the Villasalto and Fenosu bases, to guard the areas considered most at risk. Typically, their deployment does not occur before June 15th. Only last year, during a year marked by exceptional drought, did they begin earlier.
"Following the assessments that emerged during the operational meteorological briefing held with the decentralized functional center of the Civil Protection," Cocco writes, "and taking into account the progressive increase in temperatures expected in the coming days, as well as the progressive reduction in the humidity of fine fuels, it is deemed appropriate to proceed with early activation."
The forecast weather conditions, "characterized by the presence of a stable anticyclone, maximum temperatures between 27 and 30 degrees, and a progressive decrease in relative humidity in the inland areas of Campidano," according to the Forestry Commission documents, "create a favorable environment for the ignition and spread of fires, particularly in the areas most affected by agricultural activities and the burning of crop residues."
Helicopter service is provided from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., the most dangerous time of day. " The earlier activation of the aircraft," the analysis states, "will ensure a more effective operational response in the initial phase of the AIB campaign, characterized by the progressive activation of territorial assets, the particular seasonal vulnerability of fine fuels, and the well-known critical issues related to the availability of ground operational resources."
Consequently with the collaboration of Forestas and Civil Protection personnel.
