Italy unveils Baldo fire prevention system with hydrants and new routes

The fire prevention system was officially presented to local and provincial politicians (Assessor for Agriculture, Dario Pallaoro, and the Mayor of Nago-Torbole, Giuseppe Parolari) — the forest fire suppression system built on the slopes of Baldo, along the Gardesana above Tempesta.

An “area-specific” plan designed to prevent disasters like the one that occurred on June 4, 1982, between Torbole and Malcesine.

The details of what has been implemented, by the Forest District, were explained yesterday morning at the Riva fire station.

Demonstration and Operation of the System

Later, a practical demonstration of the operation of the fire hydrants was conducted directly on-site.

The defense system makes optimal use of the modest water source that springs among the brush at a higher altitude, in the Varno area.

At that location, a reservoir with a capacity of 250 cubic meters has long been established, but future plans include doubling the water reserve by constructing a new underground tank.

From there, a main pipeline channels water to lower areas.

Route and Development of Access Roads

Two sections partly follow the route of recently completed roads and firebreak tracks in the area.

Approximately 17 kilometers of roads in total, plus another 5 kilometers of secondary routes through trails and paths.

Altogether, the system comprises a 3,500-meter aqueduct with 13 hydrants, of which 10 are underground.

Future Projects and Connections

The system will be expanded with the addition of two new helipad sites and the construction of a 4-kilometer trail running above and parallel to the Gardesana road, linking Tempesta and Busatte.

By the end of the month — according to Tiziano Giuliani, Commander of the Fire Brigade — a joint training exercise involving the local fire services is under consideration.