A massive fire erupted on Monte Mario hill in Rome, Italy, on July 31, 2024, around 13:30, causing widespread panic and disruption across the city. The blaze quickly spread through the vegetation on the hillside, threatening nearby residential areas and forcing the evacuation of several important buildings, including the headquarters of the Italian public broadcaster Rai, the Astronomical Observatory, and at least four apartment complexes.Emergency services responded swiftly to the crisis, with firefighters deploying at least 10 intervention brigades, multiple water tankers, and up to three water-bombing helicopters to combat the flames. Despite their efforts, the fire caused significant damage, destroying several parked cars and releasing thick plumes of black smoke visible across the city.The blaze led to substantial disruptions in Rome. Several major roads were closed, including Viale dei Cavalieri di Vittorio Veneto and Viale Falcone e Borsellino, causing traffic chaos. The fire also forced Rai to suspend live broadcasts, including the popular ‘Estate in Diretta’ program.Rome’s Mayor Roberto Gualtieri visited the scene and later suggested a potential cause for the fire. “The fire in Monte Mario apparently originated from a meal prepared in an illegal camp on the slopes of Monte Mario,” Gualtieri stated, adding that high temperatures and wind contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.By early evening, firefighters reported that the situation was “under control”, though they continued to work on fully extinguishing the blaze. The incident has raised concerns about fire safety and unauthorized settlements in the area, with authorities launching an investigation into the exact cause of the fire.
Key points
- A large fire broke out on Monte Mario hill in Rome on July 31, 2024, causing widespread evacuations and disruptions.
- The fire forced the evacuation of several buildings, including the Rai headquarters and the Astronomical Observatory.
- Mayor Roberto Gualtieri suggested the fire may have originated from a meal prepared in an unauthorized camp on the hill.
- Firefighters deployed extensive resources, including helicopters, to combat the blaze.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported number of firefighting teams and helicopters deployed, with numbers ranging from 4 to 10 teams and 2 to 3 helicopters.
