The fire season hasn't even started yet, but the first blaze has already broken out in Molentargius, in the Quartu area of the wetland.
The fire burned a couple of hectares of brushwood, fortunately without causing damage to nearby homes. Firefighters, the NOS Civil Protection Unit, and the Cagliari Forestry Corps responded immediately to the scene. Once extinguished, cleanup operations began immediately.
"The fire, also due to the wind, could have spread significantly," said Daniele Scala of Nos. "Luckily, we intervened vigorously, and the grass isn't completely dry yet."
The Molentargius area remains under special surveillance ahead of the fire season. Many uncultivated lands are still overgrown with weeds. This problem is common not only in the nature reserve but also in other areas of the city and the coastline, where weeds are a distinctive feature. An ordinance was issued in recent days requiring weed removal and waste removal from all areas by June 1st, after which fines will be issued for those who fail to comply.
Some have already taken action, as in the case of the overgrown area on Via Cavour, but many critical situations remain. Once remediated, the areas will need to be kept clear of grass until October. Branches and hedges overhanging roads and sidewalks will also need to be trimmed.