During the investigation into the causes of forest fires that raged in southern Italy this week, authorities are exploring the disturbing possibility that cats were used for arson. Domenico Costarelli from the Civil Protection Agency of Calabria reported a shocking discovery: cats “with rags wrapped around their tails soaked in flammable liquid.” He explained that the animals were released into fields, where they inadvertently helped spread the fire as they ran. Costarelli also noted that investigators found additional potential evidence of arson, including candles lit among flammable materials and delayed ignition devices.
According to Italian broadcaster RAI, which reported this on Wednesday, firefighters continue to battle blazes around Pollino National Park in Calabria. In the past 24 hours, fire departments have made over 160 trips to the region.
Investigation and reward
SkyTG24, the Italian partner of CNN, reported that the Italian Association for the Protection of Animals and the Environment has filed a criminal complaint and is offering a reward of 1,000 euros for information on those who may have used cats for arson.
The notion of using cats for arson is not new in southern Italy. In 2016, Sicilian authorities accused the mafia of employing cats to ignite fires in the forests of a national park. The following year, in 2017, officials indicated that a similar tactic was used during fires near Naples, close to Vesuvius.
Source: CNN
