A massive wildfire is tearing through the tourist region of Sicily, forcing more than 100 people to evacuate. The blaze has reached the town of Santo Stefano Quisquina in the Agrigento province, about an hour and a half from Palermo.
Evacuations and Threats
Authorities are concerned about an oxygen depot, a medical clinic, a petrol station and a fireworks factory near the flames. Firefighting crews, including Canadair aircraft, are battling the fire.
The mayor of Santo Stefano di Quisquina, Francesco Cacciatore, described the situation as "dramatic" and urged people in the Canfuto and Bosco districts to leave "immediately." A road closure is in place on the 118 state road Corleonese Agrigentina.
Fanned by Sirocco Winds
The fire is driven by sirocco winds, hot dry winds from the Sahara. Flames have also reached the edge of the Andromeda Theatre in Agrigento. In Catania, firefighters responded to at least 11 wildfire reports.
Blazes have been reported along the motorway connecting Palermo and Catania, and blackouts have occurred in central Palermo. Families not in the fire's path have barricaded themselves indoors to keep out smoke. According to La Repubblica, "The heat was so intense that railings and doorknobs became red-hot. Smoke engulfed several neighbourhoods, and by 4am temperatures in the city exceeded 40 degrees Celsius."
