Extreme heatwave triggers fires, casualties across Italy as temperatures begin to recede

ROME - A deadly heatwave that swept across Europe in recent weeks has taken a heavy toll on Italy, triggering wildfires, injuring dozens, and contributing to a surge in heat-related deaths, according to local authorities and international research data.

Multiple regions in Italy were engulfed by fires in recent days, while large parts of the country were placed under red alert for extreme heat. Although temperatures have started to return to seasonal norms since Monday, the aftermath of the heatwave continues to unfold.

Firefighters battled flames in Sicily, near Naples, and within the capital city of Rome. In one incident, a residential building in Rome caught fire, reportedly due to prolonged hot and dry conditions. Emergency services safely evacuated residents and several pets, with only minor injuries reported.

A separate incident last Friday saw a major explosion at a gas station in Rome, injuring at least 45 people, including police officers and firefighters. Authorities said the explosion occurred during a routine fuel transfer operation. An investigation is underway to determine whether the extreme heat may have played a role. On Wednesday, officials confirmed that one of the injured had died.

At the peak of the heatwave, 21 out of Italy's 27 largest metropolitan areas were under red alert, signifying that the heat posed a health risk even to healthy individuals.

Italy has experienced a series of severe weather events in recent years, including floods, droughts, landslides, glacier collapses, and violent storms. The recent heatwave marked the first major climate-related emergency in the country this year.