A scandalous investigation is unfolding in the Italian region of Calabria, shocking authorities with its cruelty and sophistication. Officials have confirmed that a series of large-scale forest fires engulfing the Pollino National Park were intentional. Furthermore, investigators have uncovered evidence of animals being used as living torches to spread the flames.
A Cruel Arson Scheme
Domenico Costarella, a representative of the Calabria Civil Protection Agency, revealed details that can only be described as barbaric. During the investigation, animals were found with fabrics soaked in flammable substances tied to their tails.
"These animals were released into the fields, where they ran around and spread the fire," Costarella explained. According to him, in addition to using animals, the perpetrators employed other methods: candles placed among dry vegetation and timer-based devices for delayed ignition.
The Scale of the Disaster
The situation in the region is critical. Firefighting services are operating under continuous strain. In the last 24 hours alone, Calabria's rescue services made over 160 deployments to extinguish fire hotspots. The fire threatens not only forest areas but also nearby settlements.
The Italian Association for the Protection of Animals and the Environment has reacted decisively to the incident. The organization has filed a criminal complaint and announced a reward of €1,000 for any information that helps identify those responsible for these crimes.
Why is Italy Burning?
Experts link the scale of the fires to the climatic conditions of this year. A wet winter promoted vigorous vegetation growth, which, after several waves of summer heat, turned into ideal fuel. According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), although 2026 was generally less challenging for Europe, fire activity on the continent remains above the average for the last two decades.
The Shadow Economy of Fire
Using animals for arson is not a unique phenomenon in southern Italy. In 2016, Sicilian authorities stated that mafia groups were involved in fires in a national park using cats. A similar scheme was also considered during the investigation of fires near Naples and Mount Vesuvius in 2017.
Lauren Pearson, a researcher at the University of California, Berkeley, notes that organized criminal groups often stand behind such actions. Their goal is to establish control over territories and subsequently acquire land at a reduced price after the fire has destroyed everything on it.
Furthermore, experts point out a new trend: some criminal structures are attempting to exploit Italy's transition to clean energy. Farmers have reported that after fires, companies approached them with offers to buy land for energy projects, making arson a profitable business.
Fighting Fire and Crime
The Civil Protection Agency in Calabria emphasizes that combating intentional arson requires a comprehensive approach. This involves not only law enforcement efforts to catch criminals but also the need to change public attitudes toward the problem. For now, Italy and all of Europe continue to face the consequences of climate change and the human factor, which turns natural fires into a tool for criminal business.
