Investigators probing recent wildfires in Italy's Calabria region have uncovered evidence suggesting arsonists used stray cats as living fire-starters. According to authorities, the animals were allegedly fitted with rags soaked in flammable liquid, set alight, and then released into dry vegetation to spread the fires.
This alleged tactic emerged as firefighters battled intense blazes that have affected the Pollino National Park, a large protected area where approximately 1,000 hectares of vegetation have been destroyed. Domenico Costarella, head of Calabria's Civil Protection agency, described the alleged method as "inhumane acts."
More than 160 fires have been recorded in Calabria recently, with officials attributing many to deliberate acts rather than natural causes. The fires have been exacerbated by high temperatures, drought, and strong winds, allowing them to spread rapidly across the landscape. In addition to the alleged use of cats, investigators also reportedly found candles and homemade delayed ignition devices near burnt areas.
Animal welfare organizations have expressed outrage at the allegations. Italy's Association for the Defence of Animals and the Environment has offered a reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible, and campaigners have filed criminal complaints.
This is not the first instance of animals allegedly being exploited to spread wildfires in Italy. Similar tactics were previously linked to organized crime groups in Sicily, where cats were reportedly used in the Nebrodi Regional Park in 2016. The following year, investigators claimed the Camorra mafia employed a similar method to start fires in protected woodland near Mount Vesuvius, leading to evacuations and military deployment.
Researchers suggest that some deliberately set fires are connected to criminal efforts to devalue land for subsequent cheap purchase or to gain territorial control. However, each incident is investigated based on specific evidence.
Across Italy, over 11,500 hectares have been scorched during a recent heatwave. The wildfire emergency has extended to neighboring countries, with significant blazes impacting south-west France and Spain. In France, over 20,000 people were evacuated near Bordeaux due to fast-moving fires. Spain is also contending with multiple large wildfires, forcing thousands to flee their homes west of Madrid and in Guadalajara province. According to the European Forest Fire Information System, approximately 250,000 hectares have burned across Europe this year, nearly double the long-term average for this period.