Italy: Emergency services carry out evacuations near Palermo (Sicily region) due to bushfire August 30

Event

Emergency services evacuated at least 400 people due to a bushfire burning near Palermo (Sicily region) on Sunday, August 30. The fire reportedly broke out in the vicinity of Altofonte and is burning toward the Moarda forest. The blaze also ignited some gas cylinders, causing damage to some nearby homes; however, no associated injuries have been reported. Authorities have urged those living in the Campo Vecchio, Cozzo di Castro, and Corso Piano Renda areas to evacuate. Emergency services continue to respond to the blaze, which is believed to have been deliberately started.

Further spread of the fire is possible in the near term. An emergency response presence and localized transportation disruptions, namely road closures, should be anticipated in the affected areas.

Advice

Those in the vicinity of the fire are advised to monitor the situation, avoid the area, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.