Wildfires were still raging across
southern Italy Friday including on Mt Vesuvius near Naples where
the army is helping fire crews.
Two men died in Calabria while trying to put out the fires
Thursday.
Many of the fires are linked to arson and Naples Archbishop
Crescenzio Sepe has brought down the wrath of God on "those who
kill the environment".
The situation on Vesuvius was said to be improving slightly.
Two arsonists were arrested near Rome Friday.
Civil Protection chief Fabrizio Curcio called for stiffer
penalties for arsonists.
Justice Undersecretary Cosimo Maria Ferri said they were
already strong but the government was ready to raise them.
About 1,000 people were evacuated because of encroaching
fires in the Gallura area of Sardinia Friday.
Some 44 fires were active in the Cosenza area of Calabria but
the situation there was said to be improving slightly.
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