FRENCH POLICE are holding at least five people suspected of starting forest fires that have ravaged the Mediterranean island of Corsica as wildfires in southern Europe were brought under control.
Three large fires that started on Thursday have destroyed 15,000 hectares (37,050 acres) in southern Corsica, including some of the area’s most spectacular forests. More than 400 firefighters, supported by helicopters, battled yesterday to finally put out the blazes that threatened the town of Aullene as temperatures and winds dropped.
According to police, the fire may have started because of a spark during work on an electricity line. But now they suspect arson in several fires that started in quick succession. Those found guilty can be sentenced to terms of 15 years to life in prison.
In eastern Spain, firefighters have been battling fires in forests around the ancient town of Aliaga, Aragon. The hilltop resort town of Mojacar woke up yesterday to the charred remains of previously picturesque pine forests and almond groves. Six firefighters have been killed by forest fires in Spain during the last week. Thousands of firefighters and volunteers and more than 30 aircraft were deployed to combat the flames.
Italian police said they were investigating brush fires on the outskirts of Palermo, Sicily, and in the tourist town of Monreale. On Sardinia, which has been particularly badly hit, authorities expressed fears that shifting winds could revive blazes that ostensibly have been brought under control.
More than 100 firefighters and 200 volunteers have been fighting forest fires in Turkey, where temperatures reached 48 degrees at the weekend. – ( Guardianservice)