A massive fire is currently blazing through a popular tourist area in Italy, leading to the evacuation of over 100 individuals. The significant wildfire has spread to Santo Stefano Quisquina town in the Agrigento province, situated just 90 minutes away from Palermo in Sicily. The vicinity of this sought-after vacation destination is experiencing a severe impact, with large clouds of dense smoke rising into the sky.

As a precautionary measure, more than 100 people have been evacuated, amid concerns for an oxygen depot, a medical clinic, a petrol station, and a fireworks factory near the inferno. An extensive firefighting operation is ongoing, involving Canadairs – specialized aircraft for aerial firefighting.

The fire’s intensity is fueled by sirocco winds, a hot, dry wind laden with dust originating from the Sahara Desert and blowing northward across the Mediterranean Sea into southern Europe. Local reports describe the situation as “dramatic,” according to Santo Stefano di Quisquina’s mayor, Francesco Cacciatore.

Residents in the Canfuto and Bosco districts have been urged to evacuate immediately, with a road closure in effect on the 118 state road Corleonese Agrigentina in both directions. In another part of Agrigento, the flames have encroached upon the Andromeda Theatre. Additionally, wildfires have erupted in Catania, prompting firefighting responses to at least 11 incidents.

Further reports indicate fires along the motorway linking Palermo and Catania, with power outages occurring in central Palermo. Families not directly in the fire’s path have secured themselves indoors to shield against the smoke, as per La Republica.

The extreme heat has caused railings and doorknobs to become red-hot, and several neighborhoods have been engulfed in smoke. By 4 am, temperatures in the city exceeded 40 degrees Celsius.