Abruzzo Wildfire Engulfs Mountains Near L'Aquila, Sparks Political Outcry

A large wildfire that has been burning for more than two weeks in the Aquilano area of Abruzzo spread on Sunday night, creating a visible front of flames across the mountains of Lucoli, Roio and Bagno. The fire front descended in altitude, threatening forested zones on the Bagno slope. Firefighters, including local fire brigade units, volunteers and Canadair aircraft, worked continuously during daylight, but aerial support ceased at night, leaving ground crews to contain numerous hotspots amid high temperatures, dry vegetation and intermittent winds.

The emergency response has become a focal point of political debate. Opposition parties such as Sinistra Italiana and the Democratic Party of L'Aquila have accused regional president Marco Marsilio, civil‑protection director Mauro Scelli and mayor Pierluigi Biondi of delayed and insufficient action, calling for additional personnel, equipment and a clearer accountability for the disaster. The parties demand an immediate mobilisation of extra resources and a transparent investigation into the handling of the fire.