POSITANO, ITALY — A major vegetation fire in Positano caused concern along Italy’s Amalfi Coast after flames broke out overnight in the San Pietro area and spread across a steep hillside above the SS 163 Amalfitana.
The fire developed during the night between Saturday, September 12, and Sunday, September 13, 2026, with the first reports placing the outbreak at around 2 a.m.
Strong winds helped the flames spread across the vegetation-covered slope, while the difficult terrain made firefighting operations more challenging.
The blaze also caused a landslide, sending material onto the Amalfitana state road and forcing a temporary closure of the affected section.
By Sunday afternoon, firefighters had brought the main fire under control and the road was reopened, although traffic was initially restricted to alternating one-way movement through the affected area.
What Happened in Positano?
The fire broke out in San Pietro, an area on the Positano side of the Amalfi Coast.
The flames spread along a large section of vegetation on a steep and difficult-to-access hillside. Wind conditions contributed to the rapid spread of the fire and increased concerns for nearby homes and tourist properties.
The affected area is close to the famous Amalfi Coast roadway and includes a number of properties and structures exposed to the hillside.
Firefighters responded during the night and continued operations into Sunday morning.
Because of the size and position of the fire, aerial firefighting support was also deployed.
Firefighters Battle Flames on Steep Hillside
Several firefighting crews were involved in the emergency.
Teams from the Maiori fire station, the Salerno provincial command and the Sorrento fire station worked to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further.
The steep terrain presented an additional challenge because portions of the affected hillside were difficult to reach from the ground.
Firefighters continued extinguishing operations while also monitoring the surrounding vegetation and hillside.
By Sunday morning, the fire was reported to be under control.
Landslide Forces Temporary Closure of SS 163
One of the most significant consequences of the fire was the impact on the SS 163 Amalfitana.
The heat and loss of vegetation on the hillside were followed by a landslide at approximately kilometre 16.300.
Material fell onto the roadway, creating an additional safety hazard for motorists.
The affected section between approximately kilometres 16.000 and 16.800 was temporarily closed while emergency crews worked and authorities assessed the area.
The closure also allowed firefighters, road crews and other emergency personnel to operate without normal traffic passing through the affected section.
Amalfi Coast Road Reopened
The SS 163 was later reopened after firefighting and initial safety operations were completed.
Traffic was initially permitted under an alternating one-way system, allowing vehicles to pass while work and monitoring continued around the affected section.
The reopening provided some relief for residents, workers and visitors who rely on the Amalfi Coast road as a major connection through the region.
However, the presence of the landslide and the damaged hillside meant that motorists were urged to exercise caution.
New Fire Reported Near Tordigliano
A separate fire also became a concern on Monday, September 14, in Tordigliano, on the Vico Equense side of the coastal area between Positano and Piano di Sorrento.
Although the flames were visible from Positano, Tordigliano is in the municipality of Vico Equense, not Positano.
Reports indicated that the new fire may have involved residual hotspots or vegetation that reignited after the earlier fires, although the precise cause had not been established.
Emergency crews were deployed to the difficult hillside location.
This second incident has added to concerns about fire activity across the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento Peninsula.
Was Anyone Injured?
There were no confirmed reports in the available information of deaths or serious injuries caused by the Positano fire.
The principal immediate concerns were the spread of the flames, the proximity of vegetation fires to homes and tourist facilities, and the landslide affecting the coastal roadway.
Residents and visitors were also affected by the temporary road closure and traffic restrictions.
No confirmed casualty figure has been announced.
Cause of the Positano Fire
The cause of the fire has not been officially established in the information currently available.
The strong winds were reported to have helped the flames spread rapidly, but wind conditions should not be confused with the cause of ignition.
There is currently insufficient information to state whether the fire began accidentally, naturally or through human activity.
Authorities will need to determine how the fire started before a definitive cause can be established.
Why the Hillside Remains a Concern
The fire has raised additional concerns because Positano’s steep coastal terrain is vulnerable to instability.
The loss of vegetation can increase erosion and runoff when rainfall reaches a burned hillside.
Local geological experts have warned that burned slopes can become more vulnerable to erosion, debris movement and landslides, particularly as the region approaches periods of heavier autumn rainfall.
The landslide already triggered by the fire demonstrates why authorities must continue monitoring the affected slope even after the flames have been extinguished.
What Is Happening Now?
The main Positano fire in San Pietro has been brought under control.
The SS 163 through the affected Positano section has been reopened, although traffic restrictions were initially maintained because of the landslide and safety work.
Meanwhile, emergency crews have also been dealing with the separate fire at Tordigliano in Vico Equense.
The two incidents have created a broader fire emergency across parts of the Amalfi Coast, with authorities monitoring both fire-damaged slopes and road conditions.
Positano Fire Today — What Residents and Visitors Should Know
People traveling through the area should pay attention to current road restrictions and follow instructions from emergency personnel.
Even after a fire has been extinguished, burned slopes can remain dangerous because loose rocks, soil and vegetation may continue to fall.
Motorists should avoid stopping in areas where emergency crews are operating and should not obstruct access for firefighting or road-maintenance vehicles.
Visitors should also avoid entering burned or restricted hillside areas.
Positano Fire Today: Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Positano, Campania, Italy |
| Fire area | San Pietro |
| Date | Overnight September 12–13, 2026 |
| Approximate start | Around 2 a.m. |
| Type | Large vegetation/wildfire |
| Terrain | Steep coastal hillside |
| Main impact | Vegetation burned and hillside instability |
| Landslide | Yes |
| Road affected | SS 163 Amalfitana |
| Road location | Around km 16.300 |
| Firefighters | Multiple crews deployed |
| Aerial support | Used during firefighting operations |
| Homes/tourist properties | Nearby and placed under concern |
| Confirmed deaths | None reported |
| Confirmed serious injuries | None reported |
| Cause | Not officially established |
| Road status | Reopened after temporary closure; alternating traffic initially used |
| Additional fire | Tordigliano, Vico Equense, reported separately |
| Investigation | Circumstances and cause remain subject to assessment |
Latest Update
The major fire that broke out in San Pietro, Positano, overnight has been brought under control after an extensive firefighting operation.
The resulting landslide forced the temporary closure of the SS 163 Amalfitana, but the road was subsequently reopened with traffic restrictions while the affected area was assessed and secured.
A separate fire at Tordigliano in Vico Equense has since added to concerns across the wider coastal area. Emergency teams remain involved in monitoring and responding to the latest fire activity.
The exact cause of the Positano fire has not been established publicly.
Disclaimer
This article reports information available about the Positano fire and its effects on the Amalfi Coast as of September 14, 2026. Fire conditions, road restrictions and safety measures can change quickly. The cause of the fire remains unconfirmed, and information concerning damage, access and ongoing emergency operations may be updated as authorities complete their assessments.