Wildfire threatens residential areas, forces evacuations in Italy's Sicily

SICILY, ITALY - OCT. 20: A large wildfire spread near residential areas in Scopello, on the western Italian island of Sicily, on Tuesday, Oct. 20, prompting the evacuation of homes, hotels and residential complexes.

The blaze, which broke out in the Trapani area, intensified amid strong winds, periodically threatening nearby settlements.

Firefighters, forestry personnel and civil protection teams were deployed to combat the flames.

Meanwhile, another major wildfire was reported in Montelepre, in the Palermo area, where strong Sirocco winds made firefighting operations particularly difficult.