Wildfires ring Rome as Lazio braces for extreme heat

A series of wildfires broke out around Rome overnight into Tuesday, with local authorities warning that the risk of new blazes remains high as a heatwave intensifies across central Italy, according to The Local Italy.

The fires, concentrated in wooded areas on the outskirts of the capital, forced patrols by civil protection units and firefighters but no immediate evacuations were reported. Lazio regional officials urged residents to avoid outdoor burning and remain vigilant as temperatures are forecast to exceed 40°C in parts of the region.

The heatwave gripping Italy follows a similar event last week that saw record highs in several southern regions. The Local Italy reports that a farm worker died in a greenhouse in the province of Foggia as temperatures climbed, underscoring the dangers of extreme heat for outdoor labour.