Italian authorities evacuated more than 700 people by sea after rapidly spreading wildfires threatened the coastal town of Peschici in the southern Puglia region. The operation involved residents and tourists who were moved from beaches and nearby coastal areas as flames advanced toward the shoreline.

The evacuation was led by the Italian Coast Guard with support from the Guardia di Finanza and privately operated boats. Maritime assets were deployed after road access became increasingly difficult due to the approaching fire, allowing emergency responders to safely transport evacuees away from the affected area.

Authorities said the wildfire was fueled by hot, dry weather and strong winds, creating challenging conditions for firefighting teams. Ground crews, aerial firefighting aircraft, and civil protection personnel continued efforts to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further into nearby communities.

The emergency followed another significant wildfire that recently affected the Puglia region, where several coastal areas and tourism facilities were also placed at risk. Officials have maintained heightened emergency operations as multiple wildfires continue to impact parts of southern Italy.

Italian authorities are urging residents and visitors to comply with evacuation orders and follow official safety advisories while firefighting and recovery efforts remain ongoing. The incident highlights the important role of maritime emergency services in supporting evacuations when coastal communities are threatened by natural disasters.