🕒 Last updated on August 11, 2025
A huge wildfire has forced the closure of all tourist trails on Mount Vesuvius in southern Italy. The fire, which broke out a few days ago, has now spread to cover a stretch about 3 kilometers wide.
Trails closed as massive blaze engulfs Mount Vesuvius slopes
Hundreds of hectares of pine forest and woodland have been destroyed, and many wild animals have died. Thick smoke has been visible from both Pompeii and Naples, alarming residents and visitors.
Teams of firefighters, soldiers, forestry officers, police, and civil protection volunteers have been working together to contain the blaze. Six Canadair firefighting planes from Italy’s state fleet have been dropping water over the burning slopes, while drones are being used to track the spread of the flames from above. Authorities say the work has been made much harder by the intense summer heat.
The fire has mainly affected the Terzigno pine forest and the woodlands around Trecase, Ercolano, and Ottaviano at the base of the volcano. Park authorities decided to shut down all hiking trails, not only to protect tourists but also to allow firefighting teams to move more freely and carry out cleanup operations. Pompeii’s archaeological park remains open, but the surrounding natural areas are now off-limits.
🌍 Climate collapse ahead? Norway’s $1.6 trillion fund warns of 19% U.S. portfolio loss
Investigations into the fire’s possible intentional origin are still ongoing, although local officials have voiced concerns. Despite the seriousness of the situation, firefighters have managed to prevent the flames from reaching nearby homes.
Record-breaking wildfire in France’s Aude region
While Italy battles the Mount Vesuvius blaze, southern France is also facing its largest wildfire since 1949. There has already been one fatality and multiple injuries from the fire in the Aude region. After days of intense work, firefighters have managed to contain the main front of the blaze, but high temperatures and strong winds are keeping the situation dangerous.
Authorities have warned that the continuing heatwave could make the firefighting effort even more challenging. Temperatures are expected to stay extremely high, and the dry, hot wind blowing across the region is increasing the risk of flare-ups. Emergency services remain on high alert, and firefighting teams are working to secure the area to stop the fire from reigniting.
In the Aude countryside, thousands of hectares of vegetation have been burned, with farmland, vineyards, and forest areas all affected. Residents have been evacuated in some parts, while others have been urged to stay indoors to avoid the thick smoke in the air.
Extreme weather is increasing wildfire risks worldwide.
The wildfires in Italy and France are part of a growing pattern seen around the world. Long periods of heat, combined with dry conditions and strong winds, create the perfect setting for large, fast-moving fires. In Southern Europe, this summer’s heatwave has pushed temperatures to dangerous levels, drying out vegetation and making it easier for flames to spread.
$2 billion gone in 12 days — Iran’s barrage overpowered America’s elite THAAD defense
Scientific studies have shown that human-caused climate change is increasing both the size and frequency of wildfires in several regions, including southern Europe, northern Eurasia, the United States, and Australia. Some research also points to a rise in wildfire activity in parts of southern China. Globally, the average wildfire season is now about two weeks longer than in previous decades.
As the fires near Mount Vesuvius and in France’s Aude region continue to burn, thousands of firefighters and emergency workers remain on the frontlines. With tourist areas closed, residents displaced, and landscapes damaged, the impact of these blazes will be felt long after the flames are gone.