Vesuvius continues to burn. Images of towering flames devouring the flank of the world's most famous volcano have circulated across Italy, rekindling memories of the summer of 2017, when a fire of similar proportions devastated the National Park.
For over 24 hours, a massive blaze, fueled by wind and high temperatures, has been consuming forests, Mediterranean scrub, vineyards, and areas of prime tourist interest, threatening municipalities in the Vesuvian area. According to estimates, the fire extends for approximately three kilometers, with over 500 hectares already reduced to ashes.
Legambiente raises the alarm: "An immediate civil mobilization is needed."
"Hurry up!" is the heartfelt plea from Mariateresa Imparato and Stefano Ciafani, regional and national presidents of Legambiente, respectively.
In a statement, the association's leaders spoke bluntly of an "environmental massacre" and "incalculable and inestimable" damage to biodiversity and the local economy.
Legambiente is calling for a "common civil front" between institutions and citizens, emphasizing that the continuing fire requires immediate mobilization of the entire political and institutional spectrum.
De Luca: "We need the Army." Musumeci signs the extraordinary mobilization.
The President of the Campania Region, Vincenzo De Luca , has formally requested from the government a state of national mobilization of the Civil Protection, also calling for the deployment of the Army.
The appeal was answered by the Minister for Civil Protection Nello Musumeci , who in the evening announced the decree for the extraordinary mobilization of the National Service: "This way," he explained, "we guarantee national coordination and the dispatch of men and resources from other regions as well."
Six Canadair helicopters from the national fleet and four regional helicopters operated on the ground throughout the day, supported by over one hundred firefighters , volunteers, and law enforcement personnel. This massive effort prevented even more serious damage, but the situation remains critical.
Terzigno, a night of fear: "The wind has changed direction toward the houses."
The epicenter of the fire is in the municipality of Terzigno, where hundreds of people spent the night outdoors as a precaution. Mayor Francesco Ranieri describes hours of anguish: "At first, the wind pushed the flames upward, then suddenly it moved toward the homes.
We were scared, but the timely intervention on the ground prevented the worst. There was no need to evacuate, but the distance from the houses was only a few kilometers."
The column of smoke is visible from Pompeii to Naples, while fragments of ash have settled on roofs and streets across much of the Vesuvian area.
Suspicions of malicious intent and charges of delays in rescue operations
According to several mayors and residents, small fires have broken out in the Terzigno pine forest in recent days, reported but not addressed decisively. Due to the wind and heat, the flames then spread beyond control.
The parallel with 2017 is inevitable: then, investigations confirmed the disaster's malicious origin. Even today, authorities have not ruled out this possibility.
Restrictions and emergency measures
All tourist trails and access to the summit of Vesuvius have been closed. The Army has been asked to support local police forces with traffic management, refueling water tankers, and digging firebreaks.
The Prefect of Naples, Michele di Bari, activated the Rescue Coordination Center and convened the Provincial Committee for Public Order and Security, then traveled to the scene. Environment Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin is following the crisis in constant contact with the president of the Vesuvius National Park, Raffaele De Luca.
The next few hours are crucial
Weather forecasts for Campania predict further heat waves in the coming days. This worsening of weather conditions could hinder firefighting operations and put additional areas at risk.
The race against time continues. And Legambiente's cry—"Hurry!"—remains the guiding thread of a day when Vesuvius reminded us, once again, of the fragility of its natural balance.
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The fire on Vesuvius is very worrying; it seems the authorities aren't doing enough to stop the fire. The environmental damage is incalculable, and the situation is truly critical for nearby communities. We hope they intervene immediately.