As of January 31st, emergency fire and rescue crews are responding to a forest fire on the southern slopes of Monte Gambarongo, above the town of Indemini in Locarno District, Ticino Canton. The fire broke out January 30th and as of Jan. 31 is around six hectares (15 acres) in size. Local authorities evacuated 13 people from the hamlets of Ri, Pezze, and Boe and 32 people from Indemini as a precaution due to the dense smoke caused by the flames. The Indemini customs crossing, the Indemini Pass, and the cantonal road from Fosano have been closed. A red fire alert has also been issued in the Varese area across the border in Italy, with civil protection crews on standby to assist should the flames cross into Italian territory. The fire is being fanned by strong winds in the region and an estimated containment date for the fire has not been confirmed.
Business and transport disruptions are expected in the affected and surrounding areas over the coming days. Anticipate the status of nearby roads to change over the coming hours and days. Authorities could close routes within the fire complex and evacuate communities due to fire activity and the needs of response operations. Traffic flows could also be disrupted during re-entry periods after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region, as well as possibly disrupting operations at the nearby Locarno Airport (ZJI). Power outages are also possible.
About Riskovery Solutions
Riskovery doesn’t wait until an incident occurs to look for a solution. Our Travel Risk Management Application proactively collects data through its proprietary application to ensure when an incident occurs, employees have the greatest chance of receiving the support they need to get home. As soon as an alert is received, Riskovery immediately begins to re-establish communication. Simultaneously, while communication is being re-established, the team analyzes data to determine where your team members are if they are safe and alternate methods for re-contacting. Team Riskovery takes proactive steps to provide essential support to stranded team members