Lucca, Tuscany, Italy – Firefighters have been engaged for more than 24 hours battling a large forest fire affecting the area between Lucca and Pisa. Thick smoke and flames, intensified by strong winds, are moving closer to residential areas in San Pantaleone, in the municipality of Lucca.

Because of the advancing firefront, several homes in Santa Maria del Giudice have been evacuated as a precaution. Four firefighting teams are operating on the ground to protect buildings, while three Canadair aircraft and a helicopter from the aerial firefighting fleet are working from above.

Driven by strong gusts, the fire has crossed provincial boundaries, spreading into the municipality of San Giuliano Terme in the province of Pisa.

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