Airola fire raises alarm for farms and livestock: air pollution and dioxins under investigation

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Airola Fire: Alarm for Countryside and Farms Under Air and Dioxin Examination 2026 09 02

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Airola – The fire emergency isn't over with the flames being extinguished. In Airola, attention is now turning to the potential environmental consequences of the blaze that broke out in the industrial area and, above all, the effects the smoke cloud may have had on the countryside, livestock, and agricultural production in the affected areas.

The Campania Region is closely monitoring the situation. Agriculture Councilor Maria Carmela Serluca is in constant contact with the director of ARPAC, awaiting the first provisional data from air quality monitoring and dioxin levels.

Attention to the smoke cloud

"I'm closely monitoring the progress of the fire that broke out in the Airola industrial area," Serluca said, emphasizing that at this stage, the priority remains "protecting the health of citizens and ensuring the complete management of the emergency."

But alongside the health aspect, there are environmental and economic ones. The smoke released by the fire affected an area wider than just the immediate vicinity of the blaze. Wind direction carried the cloud toward various areas of Sannio and the Caudina Valley, as well as toward Irpinia and the city of Benevento.

Crops and livestock under observation

The Region therefore urges continued vigilance in the agricultural sector. This focus is particularly on crops, grazing land, livestock farms, and agri-food production, which may have been affected by pollutant fallout.

"At the same time," Serluca explains, "we must remain vigilant about our countryside, the crops, livestock, and agri-food production in the areas affected by the fumes."

Before taking any measures, however, it will be necessary to wait for the emergency to end and, above all, for the results of environmental monitoring. Only on the basis of definitive data will it be possible to determine whether and what measures to adopt to protect the soil, air, and agricultural production.

The Region summons the mayors

Meanwhile, the regional councilor has announced a meeting with the mayors of the affected municipalities. This meeting will allow them to review the situation and evaluate possible measures to protect communities and businesses.

"I will meet with the mayors of the affected municipalities," Serluca announced, "with particular attention to the areas of Sannio and Irpinia and the city of Benevento."

The Region, the councilor concludes, "will stand by farmers and ranchers and the entire agricultural sector." Attention is now focused on the ARPAC data: air analyses and any potential fallout will clarify the true environmental impact of the fire and indicate the measures needed to secure the agri-food supply chain as well.

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