Italy's mafia accused of starting wildfires by setting cats alight near Mount Vesuvius
THE ITALIAN mafia has been accused of starting wildfires by setting dead cats alight forcing hundreds of tourists to be evacuated in Naples.
Wildfires forced hundreds of tourists to be evacuated in Naples and Sicily to ensure safety
The Italian media claims that arsonists set light to parts of Mount Vesuvius, near Naples, Italy.
Roberto Saviano, a journalist, and expert on the mafia, said during a Facebook rant that the fires were started by “criminal organisations”.
The best selling writer said that the crime families started the blaze to burn waste in illegal landfill sites or to prevent construction work in Campanian national park.
Mr Saviano added that the crime families likely blackmailed businesses near the still-active volcano by saying if they were not paid they’d start a fire.
The fires, which caused widespread damage, did not cause any injuries at the Calampiso seaside resort.
But tourists watched from miles away as huge plumes of smoke billowed from the port city of Naples.
Arsonists set light to parts of Mount Vesuvius, near Naples, Italy
Hundreds of firefighters arrived on scene to battle the blaze at the volcano.
Police said that the dead cats were found at the scene, prompting speculation that the crime bosses used animals to start the fires.
Italy’s prime minister, Matteo Rizzo said earlier this week, that at least 23 fires were alight at one point.
Hundreds of firefighters and volunteers battled the blaze
The ferocious fires echoed last year’s Italian wildfires when the mafia was found to have tied petrol-soaked bits of cloth to an animal’s tail in Nebrodi regional park in Sicily.
The Government has, so far, refused to confirm exactly who it thought had started the wildfire. But it said it was "actively following this difficult situation".
A man has been arrested on suspicion of starting the fires and is currently in custody, according to authorities.
Environment minister Gian Luca Galleti blasted that whoever started the fire should be jailed for “more than 20 years”.
He said: “I don’t have proof, but it does not seem to be an isolated action or chance: three ignition points are too many to be the result of carelessness or combustion."