Mount Vesuvius remains closed to hikers as firefighters battle a wildfire that has spread across the volcano’s slopes for a third day. The blaze, which broke out on Friday, has destroyed more than 500 hectares of forest and agricultural land in the Vesuvius National Park, forcing the suspension of all trail access.
In Summary:
- Three active fire fronts remain despite round-the-clock firefighting.
- Over 500 hectares of woodland and farmland affected.
- All hiking trails closed, but Pompeii archaeological site remains open.
- Arson suspected; prosecutors have launched an investigation.
- Severe agricultural losses reported for vineyards and seasonal crops.
Firefighting efforts continue
Twelve firefighting teams, backed by army units, have been deployed on the ground. Six Canadair aircraft and helicopters are dousing the flames from above, while drones track the fire’s spread. The fronts are concentrated in Valle del Gigante, the southern crater slope, and the Vicinale area, where wind gusts have reignited embers.
The scale of the smoke is such that satellite images show thick plumes drifting over the Bay of Naples. From Pompeii, the haze is clearly visible, though the site remains open to tourists.
Cultural and agricultural impact
The region is renowned for its vineyards, Pellecchiella apricots, Pomodorino del Piennolo tomatoes, and Lacryma Christi wine grapes. Coldiretti, Italy’s largest agricultural association, has called the damage “an enormous disaster” just weeks before harvest.
The closure of all hiking trails has halted visits to one of southern Italy’s most popular attractions, which drew more than 620,000 visitors to the crater in 2024.
Arson Investigation underway
Local officials, including the mayor of Terzigno, believe the fire was deliberately set. The Nola prosecutor’s office is investigating, and the president of Vesuvius National Park has said that most wildfires in the area are caused by arson or negligence.
Wider European wildfire crisis
The Vesuvius wildfire comes amid an intense wildfire season across southern Europe. Spain has evacuated more than 1,000 people in its northwest, and France has battled its largest wildfire in decades. Experts link the severity of the blazes to heatwaves intensified by climate change.
