Ascoli, August 7, 2026 – A large fire broke out this morning in the area known as Porcilaia, between the Ascoli hamlets of Poggio di Bretta and Vallesenzana in Ascoli Piceno, affecting an area characterized by brushwood, Mediterranean scrub, and an olive grove. The flames engaged the rescuers on a particularly extensive front and in a rugged area, where some houses are also present. For this reason, a mobilization of firefighters was activated and aerial support was also requested. The fire was extinguished thanks also to the providential thunderstorm that developed in the afternoon.
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A resident felt unwell and had a heart attack
The fire caused a serious illness to a resident of the affected area. The man, seeing the flames dangerously approaching, collapsed to the ground; at first it seemed to be smoke inhalation, but further checks carried out by the 118 medical staff revealed that it was a heart attack, so he was immediately admitted to the emergency room of the Mazzoni hospital.
Fifteen firefighters on site to extinguish the flames
On site, about a dozen firefighters are working, with several firefighting vehicles, engaged in the operations of containment and extinguishing of the blaze. The teams worked to prevent the flames from spreading further, also considering the presence of vegetation and the terrain’s configuration. The operations were coordinated by the Dos, the Director of extinguishing operations of the firefighters, a figure provided for managing interventions on vegetation and forest fires.
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The hailstorm helps to extinguish the fire
The brief but very strong storm in the early afternoon, with rain, hail, and wind, contributed to the work carried out from above by the aerial vehicles; the Marche Region helicopter was joined by a Canadair that took off from Gaeta and a Drago from the Arezzo Flight Department, and by the ground teams. The latter were deployed to protect the houses and stables in the area. Now the surveillance and cleanup phase is underway.
