Forest fires sweeping areas of central and southern Italy are mainly the work of arsonists, according to state authorities. Over 300 fires were reported on 24 July, with most occurring in Campania, Lazio and Calabria. Four people died and around one thousand had to be rescued by boat and helicopter from beaches when fires got out of control near Peschici and Vieste on the Gargano peninsula in Puglia. Thousands of people were also evacuated from buildings and campsites in the area. Over 30 new fires were reported across Abruzzo, Lazio, Calabria, Sicily and Sardinia this morning (25 July).

Giuseppe Vadal