The flames devastate the archaeological park in Segesta, while the Doric temple is besieged by fire.

Last Updated: July 25, 2023

A Segesta le fiamme devastano il parco archeologico, il tempio dorico assediato dal fuoco

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Immeasurable damage was caused last night by a massive fire that practically destroyed the entire area of the archaeological park, including the old refreshment point and surrounding zones such as Pispisa, Mango, contrada Margana, Giacaudo, Conca, and Scorciagatto. These are just a few of the areas affected by the devastating fire, which started yesterday from the Segesta tunnel and quickly spread throughout the archaeological park and the nearby countryside. The Doric temple was consumed by fire overnight. Despite the race against time by forestry workers, civil protection, firefighters, and aerial resources, their efforts were in vain. Tourist facilities and homes in the surrounding areas of Segesta were evacuated.

The exceptionally high temperatures yesterday and last night, reaching 50 degrees, coupled with the strong scirocco wind, hindered all efforts. Today, Calatafimi must face an extraordinary event that has completely burnt down an estimated 600 to 800 hectares of forests and Mediterranean vegetation. The Segesta area is now a blackened wasteland. Currently, a Canadian firefighting aircraft is conducting water drops over Segesta and the Margana estates. The wind has shifted, and these water drops are being performed in the most inaccessible areas where forestry workers have been tirelessly working since yesterday.

“It’s a true tragedy,” said Calatafimi’s mayor, Francesco Gruppuso. “Everything we managed to save last year has been completely destroyed in one night. We are deeply saddened. I urge anyone with information regarding this criminal act to report it to the appropriate authorities for a detailed complaint.”