A large forest fire has erupted in Prad am Stilfserjoch, South Tyrol, Italy, burning approximately 60 hectares since the afternoon of April 10, 2025. The blaze has drawn the attention of multiple firefighting teams, including volunteer brigades, professional firefighters, and the state forestry service, all working tirelessly to contain the flames.
The fire broke out around 2 PM on Thursday, and reports indicate that the situation quickly escalated, leading to a massive firefighting operation. Firefighters from eleven municipalities have been alerted, with around 400 emergency personnel currently engaged in the effort. "It seems to be getting worse," said a local resident who recently moved from Switzerland to South Tyrol.
The terrain where the fire is raging is notoriously difficult to navigate, complicating the firefighting efforts. Helicopters have been deployed to assist in battling the flames, with two currently in operation and a third on standby. However, the challenging landscape makes it difficult to secure water for firefighting, necessitating that water be flown in from distant locations.
As the fire continues to spread, several roads have been closed, and a farm in the nearby village of Stilfs has already been evacuated. The Landesfeuerwehrverband Südtirol has issued a civil protection warning for the area, advising residents in Stilfs, Trafoi, and Prad to keep windows and doors closed and to turn off ventilation systems due to the heavy smoke.
Fire brigade section inspector Christian Horrer has indicated that the firefighting efforts could take at least three days, with the fire still not under control as of the latest updates. "We are currently trying to protect a converter at Groß-Montoni from the flames. If it is damaged, television, radio, and mobile networks could go down," he explained.
This forest fire is not the first incident in the region this year. A month prior, around March 7, 2025, a significant fire consumed about 100 hectares of forest above the Vinschgau municipalities of Latsch and Kastelbell. That fire required extensive efforts from emergency services, with 60 people needing to be evacuated by helicopter from danger zones. The cause of that fire was suspected to be an abandoned car that had caught fire.
As the current fire rages on, the authorities are investigating its cause. The Carabinieri are involved in determining how this latest incident began. The fire's rapid development has raised concerns, particularly as the smoke has been reported as visible as far away as Naturns, approximately 40 kilometers from the site.
Local media have highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that the fire area is not only affecting Prad but also poses risks to surrounding communities. The smoke has prompted officials to take precautionary measures to protect residents.
In the face of these challenges, the firefighting teams remain committed to their task, with the situation being monitored closely throughout the night. Helicopter operations were temporarily halted at nightfall on April 10, but efforts will resume at first light on April 11.
As the community grapples with the ongoing threat of wildfires, the experience from the previous month's fire is still fresh in the minds of residents and emergency responders alike. The recent history of forest fires in the region underscores the need for vigilance and preparedness as climate conditions continue to evolve.
With the fire still active and the potential for further spread, the coming days will be critical for firefighting efforts in Prad am Stilfserjoch. Local officials are urging all residents to stay alert and heed safety warnings as the situation develops.
