A wildfire burning near the town of Santo Stefano Quisquina, close to Agrigento in Sicily, has forced the evacuation of over 100 residents, local authorities said on Tuesday. Mayor Francesco Cacciatore described the situation as 'dramatic' as flames threatened homes and farmland.
The fire, which started in the afternoon, spread rapidly due to strong winds and dry vegetation. Emergency services, including firefighters and civil protection units, have been battling the blaze with the help of water-dropping aircraft. No injuries have been reported so far.
Sicily, like many Mediterranean regions, is prone to wildfires during the hot summer months. Recent heatwaves have increased the risk. Residents were taken to temporary shelters, and roads in the area were closed to traffic. The mayor urged people to stay away and follow instructions from authorities.
Investigators are looking into the cause of the fire, which is not yet known. Weather conditions are expected to remain difficult for firefighting efforts in the coming days.
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