Airport closed as Italy wildfires encircle Palermo and temperatures hit 47C

Hundreds are fleeing their homes in Sicily where more than 55 wildfires were reported

Flames burn in the vegetation near Curcuraci, Messina, in Sicily, southern Italy, on Monday night. “We have never seen anything like it,” a San Martino delle Scale resident told Italy’s Ansa news agency. Picture: Italian Firefighters via AP

Wildfires driven by an extreme heatwave have encircled Palermo after temperatures in the Sicilian city climbed to 47C (117F) on Monday.

Local authorities closed the airport temporarily and part of the motorway as more than 55 wildfires were reported on the island. Hundreds of firefighters from other regions in Italy were due to arrive to help battle the flames.