Monte Morrone wildfires trigger rescues and judicial probe

Wildfires on Monte Morrone in the Abruzzo region of Italy have persisted for 20 days, leading to emergency evacuations and legal scrutiny. During recent operations at Colle delle Vacche, a Civil Protection helicopter was required to rescue 11 rescuers, 6 military personnel from the 9th Alpini Regiment, 3 Civil Protection volunteers, and 2 firefighters who became trapped by flames reaching two meters in height. While the personnel were saved, vehicles valued at approximately 2 million euros were lost.

In response to the ongoing crisis, the Deputy Prosecutor of Sulmona, Edoardo Mariotti, conducted an inspection of the fire front alongside forest Carabinieri. The investigation is focusing on the management of the emergency, specifically the deployment of aerial firefighting assets like Canadair planes, which have cost approximately 4.6 million euros. Authorities are also examining whether proper land reclamation was conducted following a major fire in 2017 that destroyed 1,200 hectares of forest, as charred material from that period was reportedly found during current operations.

Regional officials and local leaders, including Abruzzo President Marco Marsilio and the Mayor of Pratola Peligna, have been monitoring the situation closely. Concerns remain regarding the proximity of the flames to a pyrotechnics company and a riding school in Bagnaturo, as well as the impact of soot on local residents.