Wildfire in Sardinia forces dozens to flee beach by boat

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Firefighters battle a vegetation fire off the coastal town of Villasimius, threatening the popular beach of Punta Molentis in southern Sardinia, Italy July 27, 2025. Vigili del Fuoco/Handout via REUTERS

Firefighters battle a vegetation fire off the coastal town of Villasimius, in southern Sardinia, Italy, on July 27.

PHOTO: REUTERS

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MILAN - Dozens of beachgoers in Sardinia were forced to flee by boat on July 27 when a huge wildfire broke out nearby, blocking other escape routes, firefighters on the Italian island said.

Black smoke could be seen rising from the beach in Villasimius in the south of the island.

Strong winds were hindering rescue efforts, firefighters said in a statement, adding that several cars had been burned.

Italy has been sweltering under summer heat-waves, with wildfires particularly affecting arid southern regions. REUTERS

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