By Euronews
Published on
•Updated
A huge fire has erupted in Vesuvius National Park in Italy’s western Campania region. The Campania Civil Protection deemed the situation critical, and has called in the Army to help manage the situation and guard roads, open access routes, and supply water to the tankers.
The National Civil Protection Department is also sending a support team to the Terzigno coordination centre and providing air support.
“In order to fight the flames and ensure the greatest possible air coverage for the extinguishing activities, six Canadairs of the national fire-fighting air fleet, coming from different regions and at work from the first light of dawn, are operating on the vast fire. In addition to the state fleet, airborne resources from the regional fleet are also operating on the fire,’ the Civil Protection Service wrote in a statement issued on Saturday.
Over one hundred firefighters and volunteers working to extinguish the flames
Around 100 firefighters and Civil Protection volunteers have been battling the blaze relentlessly, working through the night from Friday to Saturday. Rising temperatures and unfavourable weather have made the task even more difficult.
Now in its fourth day, the fire has ravaged the Terzigno pine forest and spread into the neighbouring municipalities of Ottaviano and San Giuseppe Vesuviano. The flames are so intense they can be seen from across Naples and much of the surrounding province.
The mayor of Terzigno, Francesco Ranieri, described the past night as “very critical,” though the efforts of rescuers prevented the flames from reaching homes. However, some of the area’s most beautiful vegetation, behind the municipal stadium, has been destroyed.
The cause of the fire is considered suspicious. Mayor Ranieri voiced concern that it may be arson, recalling the devastating blazes of 2017 and suggesting there may be a “criminal hand” behind this one as well. At present, the fire front is moving from the Terzigno pine forest towards the Tirone–Alto Vesuvio reserve — an area of particular concern for emergency crews. The Park Authority estimates that around 200 hectares have already been affected.
Over 50 fires in Campania over the weekend
The crisis extends far beyond Vesuvius. The regional Civil Protection also tackled two other major blazes — one in Mercato San Severino, in the province of Salerno, and another in Frasso Telesino, in the province of Benevento. On Friday alone, more than 50 fires were recorded across Campania, underlining the severity of the situation.
