Fire closes Mount Vesuvius tourist trails in southern Italy
The Guardian has reported that tourist access to Mount Vesuvius in southern Italy has been suspended after a wildfire spread across the volcano’s slopes.
Authorities said the blaze began several days ago and by Saturday afternoon had reached a width of about 3km, damaging hundreds of hectares of forest and killing wildlife.
Smoke from the fire was visible from both Pompeii and Naples.
According to the Italian national fire service, six Canadair planes were deployed from the state fleet, supported by firefighters, soldiers, forestry units, police and civil protection volunteers from across the country.
The service said drones were being used to track the fire’s progress and that the heatwave in the region was complicating operations.
Forest damage and safety measures in affected areas
Vesuvius national park authorities said the full trail network on the volcano had been closed to protect public safety and to allow firefighting and clean-up work.
Officials confirmed that the archaeological site at Pompeii remains open.
The Guardian reported that the fire had mainly affected the Terzigno pine forest and woodlands near the towns of Trecase, Ercolano and Ottaviano at the volcano’s base.
Francesco Ranieri, mayor of Terzigno, told Italian media the situation on Saturday night was “very critical” but added that firefighting teams had stopped the flames from reaching residential buildings.
The cause of the blaze has not yet been confirmed, but Ranieri suggested there may have been deliberate ignition.
France contains biggest wildfire since 1949
In France, officials in the Aude department said a separate major wildfire had been contained after burning through the countryside and causing one fatality and several injuries.
Christian Pouget, prefect of the Aude department, said: “It’s a challenging day, given that we are likely to be on red alert for heatwave from 6pm, which will not make things any easier.”
Authorities warned that hot, dry winds combined with extreme temperatures were making the terrain difficult to secure.
The Guardian reported that the fire in Aude was the country’s largest since 1949.
Regional and global wildfire trends
The Guardian noted that southern Europe’s recent wildfires are occurring in conditions of heat, drought and strong winds.
These conditions have become more frequent in some regions of all continents.
Scientific research cited by the publication links human-driven climate change to increased wildfire likelihood and larger burned areas in southern Europe, northern Eurasia, the United States and Australia.
Some evidence also points to increases in southern China.
Extended wildfire seasons worldwide
The Guardian reported that climate change has extended the average length of the global wildfire season by around two weeks.
This has raised concerns about the ability of emergency services to respond to more frequent and intense fire events.
Researchers say these changes in fire patterns are likely to continue without reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
Historical significance of Mount Vesuvius
Mount Vesuvius is one of the world’s most recognised volcanoes, located near Naples in southern Italy.
It is best known for the eruption in AD 79 that buried the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum under ash and pumice.
The volcano has erupted multiple times since, with its last eruption occurring in 1944.
Vesuvius is classified as an active volcano, and it is the only one on the European mainland to have erupted in the last century.
Its surrounding national park is both a geological and cultural site, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Mount Vesuvius wildfire closes trails as France faces worst blaze since 1949: Summary
Tourist trails on Mount Vesuvius in Italy have been closed due to a wildfire.
The Guardian reported that the fire has burned hundreds of hectares of woodland and killed wildlife.
Smoke has been visible from Pompeii and Naples.
Six Canadair planes and multiple ground teams are working on the blaze.
The Vesuvius national park authority closed trails for safety and operational reasons.
The fire has affected the Terzigno pine forest and nearby towns.
Terzigno’s mayor said firefighters prevented the flames from reaching homes.
The cause is under investigation, with possible arson suggested.
In France, a major fire in Aude has been contained.
Authorities said it was the country’s largest wildfire since 1949.
One person died and several were injured.
Officials warned that heat and wind continue to challenge containment efforts.
The Guardian reported that climate change is increasing wildfire risk globally.
The global wildfire season is now about two weeks longer on average.