Wildfires sweep across Italy’s Sicily, forcing 1000’s to evacuate

Catania (Sicily) records firefighting operations as blazes threaten homes, roads and critical facilities across the Italian island.

Dozens of wildfires swept across the Italian island of Sicily on Wednesday, straining emergency services and forcing the evacuation of 1000’s of people & tourists.

The regional Civil Protection Department and Forestry Corps were coordinating operations against fires threatening rural areas, residential districts and major roads, public broadcaster Rai reported.

The most critical situation was reported in the eastern province of Catania, where firefighters carried out 11 operations. Blazes affected several areas, including Librino, Belpasso, Zafferana Etnea, Licodia Eubea, Adrano, Caltagirone and Mascali.

Several Canadair firefighting aircraft were deployed, including one sent from Cagliari on the neighboring island of Sardinia. The province of Palermo was also battling dozens of fires. Blazes around Monreale forced the temporary closure of the SS186 state road, while renewed flames in Castronovo di Sicilia damaged rural homes and businesses.

Additional outbreaks were reported across the provinces of Syracuse, Trapani, Enna, Messina and Caltanissetta, including near a wind farm in Alia and in the municipalities of Salemi, Mazara del Vallo, Piazza Armerina and Nissoria.