Getty Wildfires forced hundreds of tourists to be evacuated in Naples and Sicily to ensure safety

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The Italian media claims that arsonists set light to parts of Mount Vesuvius, near Naples, Italy. Roberto Saviano, a journalist, and expert on the mafia, said during a Facebook rant that the fires were started by “criminal organisations”. The best selling writer said that the crime families started the blaze to burn waste in illegal landfill sites or to prevent construction work in Campanian national park.

Mount Vesuvius is on fire, latest pictures Sat, July 15, 2017 Fires continue to rage after they broke out on 05 July around the active volcano Play slideshow EPA 1 of 7 A general view over the city as smoke billows from fires around Mount Vesuvius volcano

Mr Saviano added that the crime families likely blackmailed businesses near the still-active volcano by saying if they were not paid they’d start a fire. The fires, which caused widespread damage, did not cause any injuries at the Calampiso seaside resort. But tourists watched from miles away as huge plumes of smoke billowed from the port city of Naples.

Getty Arsonists set light to parts of Mount Vesuvius, near Naples, Italy

Hundreds of firefighters arrived on scene to battle the blaze at the volcano. Police said that the dead cats were found at the scene, prompting speculation that the crime bosses used animals to start the fires. Italy’s prime minister, Matteo Rizzo said earlier this week, that at least 23 fires were alight at one point.

Getty Hundreds of firefighters and volunteers battled the blaze