Palermo has established the municipal operational center for fire emergencies: “Do not leave your homes.”

Last Updated: July 25, 2023

Palermo, istituito il centro operativo comunale per l'emergenza incendi: «Non uscite da casa»

#Palermo
A municipal emergency operations center has been established in Palermo due to the ongoing fires engulfing the hills surrounding the city. The wildfires are particularly affecting the Capo Gallo mountain, the promontory overlooking the seaside town of Mondello, and the Bellolampo hill, where one of the municipal landfill basins is burning, releasing toxic fumes. Several homes in the Pizzo Sella area and the coastal village have been abandoned by residents due to the threat of flames or the unbreathable air. The Civil Protection is urging people to stay indoors due to the risk of dioxin exposure.

Throughout the day, firefighting interventions using amphibious aircraft and fire brigade teams, including the assistance of a helicopter, have been taking place in the affected areas. Firefighting operations, hindered by temperatures that exceeded 42 degrees Celsius yesterday and southwest winds reaching speeds of 25 kilometers per hour, are continuing throughout the night.

A searchlight tower has been installed in the Bellolampo landfill to illuminate the area where containment efforts are underway. The workers of Rap, the waste collection company, are continuously pouring soil onto the basin where the fire developed in an attempt to prevent the blaze from crippling the Palermo facility.

Other significant fires have occurred in Terrasini, Cinisi, Monreale, Piana degli Albanesi, Altofonte, and San Cipirello.

Given the fire emergency affecting the city and the province, the mayor has canceled the press conference scheduled for today, July 25th, which was to commemorate one year of government activity and present the new control room at the municipal police headquarters. The event will be rescheduled and the date will be communicated at a later time.