Forest fires are devastating the hills of the Upper Tyrrhenian Sea of Cosenza, with large fires devouring hectares of vegetation in Aieta and Santa Domenica Talao, both municipalities included in the protected area of the Pollino National Park. A fire, which started in recent days from the neighboring towns of Tortora and Praia a Mare, reached the Aieta area during the night, driven by strong gusts of wind. Since this morning the flames have been threatening the historic pine forest, the green lung of the increasingly at risk area. Fears also concern the town centre, which is why the firefighters from the Scalea detachment are present.
Similar dynamics are also recorded in Santa Domenica Talao. Since last night the fires have been affecting the Licciardi district, where there are also some homes. «The owners contacted us to ask for interventions – said the mayor of Santa Domenica Talao, Alfredo Lucchesi -. Unfortunately, the Municipality is not equipped with suitable means. We have contacted Calabria Verde and the local civil protection associations, but we have not yet seen anyone.” In both cases there are complaints about the regional fire prevention interventions considered late and ineffective, especially in the case of Aieta.