Late last night a fire broke out on the small island of Pantelleria. Italy (south of Sicily), which led to an urgent evacuation of residents from their homes and tourists from hotels.

According to the first information, there are several sources, which gives reason to suspect that arson was the cause of the fire.

Many houses were ordered to evacuate as the fronts of fire moved dangerously close. Among others, celebrities such as fashion designer Giorgio Armani or ex-footballer Marco Tardelli were evicted from their villas.

The Italian Civil Protection decided to send media and qualified personnel from Mazara del Valo (Sicily) to Pantelleria.

However, at night, the mayor of the island, Vincenzo Campo, assured that “the situation is practically under control.”

^{Source: RES-IPE}