In a scene that has caused concern in the community of Santa Cesarea Terme, a 51-year-old man was arrested for starting a fire that threatened to spread for miles. On June 26, the citizen was caught by the police while setting fire to dry vegetation near a dry stone wall, causing a fire that quickly spread across two hectares.
The intervention was triggered by a report from a citizen who had noticed a column of smoke coming from the “Lampitedde” district. THE Forestry Carabinieri they identified the person responsible and reported him to the public prosecutor’s office. If convicted, the man faces a prison sentence of three to seven years.
Fortunately, the fire was put out in time thanks to the intervention of the firefighters and Civil Protection volunteers. This incident occurs in a period of particular attention for forest fires, with the Forestry Carabinieri having intensified patrols since June 15, as requested by the Region.
The area of Santa Cesarea Terme it has been particularly affected by fires in recent years, with the Mediterranean scrub and pine forest suffering significant damage. The last fire occurred in the previous October, when the prolonged drought favored dangerous fires in the vicinity of the town, also putting the surrounding houses at risk. This recent event serves as a clear warning of the need for greater caution and prevention against fires in these sensitive areas.
