Enormous fire breaks out in Genoa, 300 displaced

Huge fire in the Genoa hills

 GENOA -- A huge fire has broken out Tuesday morning in the Pegli area leaving 300 forced out of their homes, and the number is set to increase say firefighters.

 Two Canadair aircrafts are on hand to tackle the blaze which began between the hills of Voltri and Pegli and infiltrated the most populous neighbourhoods of Pegli. The most critical situation is in the area between Val Varenna and Villa Pallavicini, and a disabled resident was rescued by flying agents and police.

 Mauro Avvenente, President of the Ponente Municipial Authority, said of the incident, “The situation is critical because the flames have come to threaten some houses. Luckily, relief efforts by the Civil Defence were timely. Thanks to the Canadair the flames are being kept under control. Unfortunately, the strong winds make everything more difficult.”

 Meanwhile in Nevi, the east of Genoa, the situation is now under control after a large fire broke out Monday. Firefighters and volunteers worked throughout the night to battle the flames.

 Three schools in Val Varenna have been closed due to the threat of the fire. The decision to suspend lessons and send students home was taken independently by the school managers.

 Nine units from the Alexandria Provincial Command are supporting firefighters in the region, equipped with two pickups, a tanker and logistical support.

 Regarding traffic, sections between the junction A26/ Branch A7 Milan-Genoa and the junction A26/A10 have been closed. For direct traffic to Genoa, it is advised to take the A7. For long trips to the South, use the A21 Turin-Piacenza-Brescia in the direction of Piacenza, continue onto the A1 to Bologna and then take the A15 Parma-Le Spezia.

 sw