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Cat‑based arson in Italian wildfires

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2026-07-26 10:29 UTC → 2026-07-26 19:08 UTC · added removed

Italian authorities continue to investigate investigating a coordinated arson campaign that uses cats fitted with flammable‑soaked rags to ignite wildfires in Calabria’s Pollino National Park. First reported on 22 July 2026, the tactic sparked more than 160 fires during a heatwave intensified by strong Scirocco winds, heatwave, leading to one firefighter’s death and large evacuations on Sicily and Sardinia. On By 25 July investigators confirmed the method, describing panicked stray cats running through dry vegetation and igniting dozens of fire fronts. Further investigation revealed additional fronts, alongside candles, delayed‑ignition devices, including candles devices and glass bottles, deployed alongside the cat‑based glass‑bottle torches. New details reveal that the blazes forced the evacuation of a senior home on Sardinia, disrupted rail services in Calabria, and prompted extensive aerial firefighting with Canadair aircraft, Super‑Puma helicopters and military assets. Italy had burned over 24 000 ha by late July, largely in the south. The Italian Association for the Protection of Animals has filed a criminal complaint and reiterated its €1,000 a €1 000 reward for information. Authorities Officials suspect the attacks may be linked to organised‑crime groups seeking to devalue land for illegal acquisition or to facilitate green‑energy projects, echoing earlier mafia‑linked incidents in Sicily (2016) and near Naples (2017). Regional officials have called are calling for stricter anti‑arson measures and heightened surveillance of protected areas as the fire season continues.

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  1. 2026-07-26 19:08 UTC Cat‑based arson in Italian wildfires
  2. 2026-07-26 10:29 UTC Cat‑based arson in Italian wildfires

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