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Wildfires burn in Sicily NAS Sigonella |
Dozens of forest fires which broke out within hours of each other in Sicily on Thursday are believed to have been begun by mobsters or their collaborators.
Firefighters had to tackle at least 30 blazes in national parks and woodland. Schools and homes have been evacuated and water and power supplies cut. Several children have been treated for smoke inhalation.
The fires all broke out at around the same time on Thursday, which has led the island's national park officials to suggest a co-ordinated plan was behind the blazes.
The effects have been exacerbated by temperatures of up to 40C while the ‘sirocco’, a strong wind which comes from Africa and affects parts of Europe in the summer, has fanned the flames..... [READ MORE]