Residents evacuated as firefighters tackle blazes in Palermo

Residents of several municipalities were evacuated as wildfires raged around the hills of Palermo, Sicily, on Thursday, August 18, according to Italy’s state news agency. Added fires that affected Poggi Ridente, Poggio San Francesco, Boccadifalco, and Borgo. Palermo Mayor Roberto Lagara urged residents to limit their outdoor exposure and keep their windows closed because of the smoke. No injuries have been reported. Italian fire service Vigili del Fuoco has released these videos taken on Thursday and Friday nights from August 18th to 19th. The video shows firefighters working to contain the fire and firefighting aircraft dropping water over the affected area. The fire brigade said it was supported by local residents and reinforcements from the nearby cities of Enna, Syracuse and Messina. Credit: Vigili del Fuoco via Storyful