Firefighters battle wildfire on Mount Vesuvius as tourists evacuated
- A wildfire broke out on Mount Vesuvius, affecting the surrounding national park.
- Firefighting efforts included 12 teams, six planes, and the involvement of the army to combat the blaze.
- Closure of hiking trails and emergency measures highlight the growing vulnerability of European regions to wildfires.
In Italy, a significant wildfire erupted on the flanks of Mount Vesuvius, a popular hiking destination near Naples, prompting an extensive emergency response. This incident began affecting the area on Friday, leading to the deployment of Italian firefighters and military personnel on Sunday. The national fire service mobilized 12 teams and six Canadair planes to combat the blaze, which arose in an area known for its dense vegetation, primarily on the slopes of Mount Somma. The fire could be seen from the Pompeii archaeological site, although that site itself remained accessible to visitors. The authorities reported that the fire has devastated approximately 500 hectares of land within the national park, causing significant damage to the local ecosystem. In response to the dangerous conditions, officials have closed all hiking routes up the volcano to tourists. This decision aims to protect the safety of visitors while facilitating firefighting efforts, as stated by the park administration and civil protection officials. Firefighting activities faced challenges due to high temperatures, strong winds, and the presence of pine needles, which exacerbated the fire’s spread. Reinforcements and additional resources were brought in from other parts of Italy, including army personnel who created firebreaks to help contain the flames. Drone technology was also employed to monitor the wildfire's advancement, demonstrating a modern approach to firefighting in challenging situations. Experts have noted that European countries are increasingly susceptible to wildfires, particularly during the summer months, which have been marked by extreme heatwaves attributed to climate change. Wildfires in Spain and France further illustrate the broader trend affecting the region. Local farmers expressed grave concern, indicating that the fires represent a significant disaster for vineyards and agricultural land in the area, further stressing the need for effective wildfire management and prevention strategies.