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- Wildfires and forests are currently burning in Sicily. Authorities say two people have died so far.
- On Friday evening, several hundred holiday guests had to be transported to safety from a hotel. But they were able to return that night.
- Fire sources are favored by hot winds and drought.
In Trapito, near the island’s capital Palermo, a man died while evacuating his home, police said. Near the town of Cefalù, a 42-year-old woman died while trying to free horses from the burning stable.
legend:
There are currently several fire sources in northern Sicily.
Keystone/Alberto Lo Bianco
More than 700 vacationers were taken to safety from a hotel, but were then able to return that night, according to regional authorities. A building on the Palermo campus had to be evacuated. Several schools and a section of the island’s highway were closed.
Hot winds from Africa
In total, more than 50 fire sources were counted. The northern part of Italy’s largest island was particularly affected. Rescue workers were constantly using firefighting aircraft.
The fires were fueled by high temperatures exceeding 35 degrees and drought, as well as hot Scirocco winds coming from Africa, which cause frequent problems in Sicily.
SRF News 4, September 23, 2023, 12:00 noon; cda/pers;horm
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