A cloud of smoke visible from miles away, the disturbing image of the fire that envelops the hill.
In Cagliari , around 5.30 pm, a fire broke out in the park of San Michele, right around the Castle .
The flames, driven by the mistral that is blowing on the island, quickly spread among the vegetation surrounding the site. Three vehicles from the fire brigade, local police officers, the flying squad of the police, foresters, volunteers from the Prociv Arci and the Orsa of Assemini, the Paff and the NOS of Quartu were on site. The fire - now extinguished - affected two sides of the hill, where the pine forest is located which, despite the damage, it is not excluded that it could be saved.
The origins of the fire are still unclear, but it could be arson. Moments of fear even among the residents of the area: it was feared that the tongues of fire could leap over the adjacent via Sirai and reach the houses.
"The Municipality of Cagliari - said the mayor Paolo Truzzu - immediately made itself available to the investigating authorities by providing maximum collaboration to determine the causes of the fire: in the unfortunate hypothesis that the malice of the fact had to be ascertained, as Cagliari and as Mayor I hope exemplary punishments for the guilty enemies of the city. I thank all the rescuers who, on a day punctuated by numerous fires, promptly intervened to safeguard the Colle di San Michele».
For the deputy mayor and councilor for public parks Giorgio Angius today is «a very bad day for the city. It could have been worse but the damage is there. We will take immediate action to reclaim the land and try to support the pine forest. You can save it, let's wait for tomorrow to have a more complete view of the situation ».
Flames today also in Uta , Assemini , Gairo, Nughedu San Nicolò, Carloforte and Sassari.
(Unioneonline/L.Ne./vf)