Toscans on fire, thousands of people evacuated

A powerful forest fire in Tuscany has gotten out of control. For several days, the element has been digesting the slopes of Mount Faeta in the province of Lukka, between the towns of Lukka and Pisa. The situation is dramatic – fire is approaching residential buildings.

They've been evacuated since Thursday. About 3.5 thousand people from San Giuliano Terme and Asciano. All villages are emptied, residents spent the night in sports halls and temporary refuge points. A lot of them talk about a real nightmare.

"We were awakened by the horning of cars. They're neighbors who left their homes in a hurry. We've seen the flames floating, the air was hot, the smell unbearable. We heard trees burning and people fleeing. It was a nightmare," reports one of the evacuated Simon Rossi.

So far, it's burned around 800 hectares the forest, and the balance is growing from hour to hour. The fire is fueled by a strong wind. Planes and fire-fighting helicopters, which draw water from lakes, rivers and seas, and numerous fire brigades and volunteers, take part in the fire-fighting operation.

Local authorities suspect that the fire was caused by uncontrolled burning of branches on the side of olive trees.

The situation is dynamic and still very dangerous. The fire department fights on several fronts, and residents of endangered areas have been warned to be ready for immediate evacuation.

Tuscany – one of the most beautiful and most tourist regions of Italy – burns. The services call for caution and ask not to impede rescue operations.