More fires have broken out in southern Europe: firefighters are fighting dozens of fires in Sardinia and Cyprus. In many cases, the authorities assume arson.
Several forest and wildfires broke out on the Italian Mediterranean island of Sardinia over the weekend. The areas around Nuoro in northeast central Sardinia and Cagliari in the south are affected. More than 40 fires were counted on the second largest Italian island on Sunday.
The situation relaxed on Monday morning, the dpa news agency reported, citing a firefighter. However, strong winds keep fanning the fires that have broken out.
Homes and campsites evacuated
As the newspaper “La Repubblica” reports, hundreds of people had to spend Monday night in emergency shelters. The north-east and south of the holiday island are particularly affected. Flames are raging throughout the island. Houses, holiday apartments and larger buildings in some areas have been evacuated as a precaution. Hundreds of people had to leave their homes.
A campsite threatened by flames had to be cleared near the Sardinian capital Cagliari. According to information from the dpa news agency, there were numerous smaller explosions that were probably triggered by gas bottles. At another campsite in the south of the Mediterranean island, around 300 people were taken to other holiday accommodation in rubber boats due to the approaching fire. But they could return later.
According to the Coldiretti agricultural association, farms were affected – among other things, pine forests and citrus plantations were destroyed.
Authorities suspect arson
The strong and hot wind makes the work of the emergency services more difficult in some places. Firefighting aircraft from Rome and Olbia are currently in use. Authorities believe a large number of the fires were caused by arson.
According to media reports, the Italian government wants to introduce a decree at a cabinet meeting today that will increase penalties for arson.
Forest and bush fires also in Cyprus
In addition to sardines, Cyprus is also fighting forest and book fires. The flames have been spreading northwest of the port city of Limassol since Sunday, but have been brought under control for the time being.
According to initial estimates by the Ministry of Agriculture, up to ten square kilometers of bush and forest area near the village of Alassa were destroyed by the flames. This was reported by the state radio of Cyprus. People were not injured, but livestock and stables fell victim to the flames, it said.
According to media reports, the flames flare up again and again despite the firefighting work of numerous helicopters and fire engines – and strong winds, which are expected for the afternoon, could fuel the fire further.
International aid for the island republic
The island republic has already received numerous offers of help: Greece sent two fire-fighting aircraft. The administration of the Turkish-occupied northern half of the island also offered help to the south. Israel and Lebanon also pledged their support. However, that was initially not necessary, said the spokesman for the Cyprus fire brigade on state radio.
In Cyprus, as in many countries in Southeast Europe, it has been very dry and hot for weeks. If fires break out, the strong winds that prevail in the region at this time of year are a particular problem: They can heat up small sources of fire into huge forest fires within hours.