Heavy fire in Rome – fourth in a month

A large fire broke out on the outskirts of the Italian capital Rome on Saturday afternoon, reports the news agency Ansa. It is the fourth major fire in the city in a month.

Thick black smoke was seen rising from the eastern parts of the city at Centocelleparken and an industrial area with car scraps. The smoke was well visible from the center. People say they have heard explosions.

Strong winds have made the extinguishing work more difficult and helicopters have been used to water bomb.

– It is a dramatic situation, says district manager Mauro Caliste.

Residents in nearby areas have been urged to shut up and put on face masks. Accommodation in a couple of houses has been evacuated for security reasons.

It is the fourth major fire in Rome in a month. In early July, for example, there was a fire in Pineto Park. Like previous fires, Saturday’s fire will be investigated by police.

Mayor Roberto Gualtieri says this summer’s fires are putting Rome and the Romans to the test.

– We follow the development. We do not yet know if it is criminal acts or negligence that are behind it. This is not a time for speculation and division, he says.