Large fire continues in Sicily

Forest fires that started the previous day around the city of Palermo on the southern Italian island of Sicily were reported to have threatened settlements in some parts.

Firefighters continue to intervene from the ground and air to extinguish the fires.

The interventions continue especially in the towns of Altofonte, Gratteri, Gibilrossa, Misilmeri, Piana degli Albanesi, Torretta and Prizzi in the province of Palermo.

Education at Gratteri primary and secondary schools was suspended due to the fires.

The Italian Civil Protection Agency had also issued a “red alert” in Messina, in the east of the island, Palermo, in the north, and Trapani, in the west, due to the fires in Sicily.

The fires that broke out in the mountainous areas of Sicily in July and August of this year also affected settlements in some places and caused damage. (AA)