The record temperatures recorded today in Puglia where the thermometer exceeded 43 degrees have fueled vast fires. In Vieste, in the province of Foggia, about two thousand tourists, guests of three large accommodation facilities, were evacuated because the flames engulfed the San Felice bay. In the marina of San Cataldo, however, a few kilometers from Lecce, two fires reached some houses damaging them and the area was evacuated. The shooting range was also engulfed in flames. In Vieste, tourists had to leave Residence Gattarella, Hotel Portonovo and Hotel Gargano in a hurry, to reach a gym in the city center, set up by the municipality so that they can spend the night in safety. Citizens and civil protection volunteers helped by bringing water and food. The situation is very complex because the flames are fed by the strong wind. Forestry carabinieri, firefighters and civil protection operate from the ground. And the mayor Giuseppe Nobiletti complains about the absence of Canadair. “The flames are at a distance of about five kilometers from the town – he warns – so if air vehicles don’t arrive we won’t be able to contain them and put out the fire”. In the Foggia area, the Cimino forest in Lucera also burns: more than 20 hectares in smoke. In Salento, however, the flames reached the villas and beaches of San Cataldo. Some cars belonging to residents and tourists were burned. More than 10 hectares of Mediterranean scrub and part of a pine forest were destroyed by the flames. “The front of the flames – explains the mayor Carlo Salvemini – is extensive and there is damage to some houses. With everyone’s collaboration I am sure that we will be able to tame the flames and overcome this difficult moment”. On the origin of the fires, he points out, “the forces of order are already committed to shedding light”.
ANSA Agency Fires in Sicily. two charred corpses found in Palermo – News – Ansa.it The Palermo airport reopens in Catania, operational from next week. Schifani: “We will ask for a state of emergency” (ANSA)Reproduction reserved © Copyright ANSA
