A large forest fire on Mount Faeta near Lucca and Pisa has forced the evacuation of about 3,000 residents after burning more than 800 hectares, with the blaze spreading across the Lucca and Pisa provinces.

Authorities describe the situation as very difficult, with multiple fronts and wide-area activity complicating containment efforts.

The fire, active since Tuesday, has flames advancing down a slope toward Asciano as winds push the fire further, according to San Giuliano Terme officials.

Simultaneous, widespread activity across several locations has hampered containment efforts, according to local officials and Euronews.

Fighting the fire involves multiple firefighting teams along with four aircraft and helicopters conducting aerial interventions.

EU leaders have previously discussed a Cyprus-based regional firefighting hub intended to support major wildfire responses across the EU and neighboring regions.

Two temporary shelters were prepared for evacuees, including one designated for people with disabilities and others needing medical care.

Rapidly changing wind patterns are creating additional challenges by sustaining multiple active fire fronts and hindering aerial operations.

Ongoing firefighting efforts face difficult conditions, as sustained winds cause new outbreaks even in already controlled areas.

Three Canadair aircraft, ground crews, regional helicopters, and drones with thermal imaging are deployed to attack and monitor the fire.

Fighting the blaze has required full mobilization of resources given the severity of the threat.

EU Climate Commissioner framed the firefighting initiative as a significant step forward, though specifics on base locations or summer activation timing were not detailed.