Cats were reportedly used to spread wildfires, raising concerns about organized crime involvement
Category: U.S. News
As wildfires rage across southern Italy, authorities have uncovered a disturbing method of arson involving cats with flammable rags tied to their tails. This shocking discovery was made during investigations into the cause of the fires in Calabria, where firefighters have been tirelessly battling blazes around Pollino National Park.
According to Domenico Costarella from Calabria’s Civil Protection Agency, the cats were released into fields, igniting fires as they ran. "These animals were released into the fields, running around and spreading the fire," Costarella said in a video shared on Facebook. The investigation has also revealed other evidence of arson, including lit candles among flammable rags and delayed ignition devices.
Reports indicate that firefighters have completed over 160 missions in Calabria within just 24 hours as they attempt to contain the wildfires. The Italian Association for the Defense of Animals and the Environment has since filed a criminal complaint and is offering a reward of 1,000 euros for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for this heinous act.
This year has seen a particularly severe fire season across Europe, with the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) noting that conditions are worse than the 20-year average. A wet winter provided ample vegetation that, after enduring three successive summer heatwaves, has turned into tinder for wildfires.
The use of animals, particularly cats, to ignite fires is not an isolated incident in Italy. In 2016, similar tactics were reported in Sicily, where authorities attributed the arson to organized crime groups. The following year, fires were set near Mount Vesuvius using the same method. According to Lauren Pearson, a researcher at UC Berkeley, there is evidence that Mafia organizations often engage in arson to gain control of land, exploiting the chaos that follows these disasters.
"Some organized crime groups have taken advantage of Italy’s clean energy transition," Pearson explained, highlighting how they may approach landowners with offers after their properties have been burned. This tactic allows them to acquire land at a premium, often under the guise of legitimate business interests.
Sergio Nazzaro, a journalist and former spokesman for the Anti-Mafia Parliamentary Commission, elaborated on the systemic issues surrounding these acts. He noted that Mafia groups exploit emergencies through various front organizations, managing everything from the labor force that sets the fires to securing concessions for rebuilding on the charred land.
As authorities continue to investigate the recent incidents, Costarella emphasized the need for a societal shift to combat the problem of arson effectively. "We are getting back to work and returning to our posts, but we need a shift in mindset," he stated. "These are inhumane acts. Sadly, men are their own worst enemies."
The situation remains dire as firefighters work to control the blazes, which have sparked widespread concern for human safety and for the welfare of wildlife and the environment. As the summer progresses, the potential for more fires hangs large, especially with the predictions of continued extreme weather conditions.
The EFFIS has reported that, even though 2026 has been a relatively improved year for fires in Europe compared to previous years, the fire season remains a serious threat. In total, the continent has experienced more than 300 fires over 30 hectares this year, nearly double the number recorded at the same point last year.
As investigations continue, the Italian government faces increasing pressure to address the underlying issues of organized crime and environmental protection, especially as communities are left vulnerable to both fire and exploitation. With the reward offered for information about the arsonists, authorities hope to gather leads that could prevent future incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice.
As the situation develops, the public remains on high alert, grappling with the implications of such brutal tactics and the broader impact on the region's ecology. The Italian government has pledged to strengthen its response to arson and protect its natural resources, but whether these efforts will be enough to deter future incidents remains uncertain.
The grim realities of this summer's wildfires serve as a stark reminder of the complex interplay between environmental challenges and the influence of organized crime in Italy. With a history of similar incidents, the nation must confront these issues head-on to safeguard both its wildlife and its communities.