Major fire in Rome

TV station offices and residential buildings evacuated

A major fire has broken out on the highest hill in Rome, Monte Mario. Several buildings at the foot of the hill had to be evacuated due to the heavy smoke. But the flames also spread quickly and emergency services were able to prevent the worst from happening.

Some residential buildings, including offices of the public TV broadcaster RAI, have already had to be evacuated. Some RAI programs could not be broadcast on Wednesday afternoon. Several cars caught fire. Many people ran into the streets out of fear.

The authorities called on citizens to keep their windows closed because of the heavy smoke. Several roads had to be closed due to the fire, which caused considerable traffic problems. The cause of the fire is still unclear.

Italy intensifies hunt for arsonists
However, one affected resident told the online edition of "La Repubblica" that he had never seen a fire like this before. Flames could be seen "at several points within a very short time". These were largely under control by 6 pm.

Italy wants to intensify its hunt for arsonists who set hundreds of fires every summer. Last year, the government increased the minimum sentence for intentional arson from four to six years. Anyone who causes a fire through negligence must expect to spend two years in prison, whereas previously only a one-year sentence was envisaged.