The investigations relating to the fires that devastated the enchanting island of Stromboli on 25 and 26 May 2022 have recently reached a significant turning point: the judicial authority, under the leadership of Dr. Giuseppe Verzera of the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, served the notice of conclusion of the preliminary investigations to four people and two companies, all suspected of being involved in the environmental disaster

Investigations into the fires that devastated the enchanting island of Stromboli on 25 and 26 May 2022 have recently reached a significant turning point: the judicial authority, under the guidance of Dr. Giuseppe Verzera of the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, served the notice of conclusion of the preliminary investigations to four people and two companies, all suspected of being involved in the environmental disaster.

The Carabinieri of the Milazzo Company coordinated the investigative action, which led to the identification of the alleged perpetrators of this serious event: among those under investigation are four individuals and two companies, one of which is a film, video and television program production company, while the other specializes in the design and creation of special effects for cinema, television and theatre. The investigations revealed a series of alleged negligence and violations of environmental and workplace safety regulations by those involved. Allegations include the absence of an adequate risk assessment document, lack of precautions in the use of flammable materials during film production and ignorance of adverse weather conditions, including restrictions on lighting fires on windy days . The fires, which affected a protected natural area of ​​significant importance, included in the “UNESCO” and “Rete Natura 2000” sites and in the “Isola di Stromboli and Strombolicchio” oriented/integral nature reserve, caused considerable damage, not only to surrounding nature but also to homes and public utility structures.

The investigative action, which involved numerous inspections, testimonies and documentary acquisitions, represents a step forward in the search for the truth about this tragic event. However, it is important to remember that the proceedings are currently in the preliminary investigation phase and that, in line with the constitutional principle of the presumption of innocence, the suspects are considered not guilty until a final sentence is pronounced.