Italy Closes Mount Vesuvius to Tourists as Wildfire Engulfs Iconic Volcano
Naples, Italy – One of the world’s most famous volcanoes, Mount Vesuvius, has been shut down to visitors after a raging wildfire swept through its slopes, sending thick plumes of smoke into the summer sky and forcing emergency crews into action.
Authorities announced the closure late Friday, citing safety risks and the urgent need for firefighting operations to continue without interference from tourist activity. The wildfire, fueled by scorching temperatures and strong winds, has been spreading rapidly through the vegetation surrounding the volcano’s trails.
Tourist Hotspot Turned Danger Zone
Mount Vesuvius, best known for its catastrophic eruption in 79 AD that buried the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, attracts millions of visitors each year. But now, the usually bustling hiking paths are eerily silent as fire brigades, helicopters, and ground teams battle the flames.
Local guides described scenes of tourists being evacuated as the smoke intensified, with visibility dropping sharply and ash beginning to fall in some areas. “It’s heartbreaking,” said Marco Rossi, a tour guide who has worked at the volcano for over a decade. “Vesuvius is part of our identity, but safety must come first.”
Evacuations and Emergency Response
Italian Civil Protection authorities have deployed dozens of firefighting units to contain the blaze. Aircraft are making repeated water drops, while ground crews work to create firebreaks to stop the flames from advancing toward nearby residential areas.
So far, no casualties have been reported, but several homes at the base of the volcano have been evacuated as a precaution. Officials warned that shifting wind patterns could change the fire’s direction at any time.
Impact on Tourism and Economy
The closure comes during peak summer season, dealing a blow to local businesses that rely heavily on tourist traffic. Restaurants, souvenir shops, and tour operators in the surrounding towns are already reporting cancellations.
“This is a major setback,” said Lucia Romano, owner of a small café in Ercolano. “We were just recovering from the pandemic slump, and now this.”
Climate and Environmental Concerns
Experts believe the wildfire is linked to Italy’s ongoing heatwave and increasingly dry conditions, part of a broader trend of extreme weather events in Southern Europe. Environmental groups have also pointed to illegal burning of land as a possible contributing factor, though investigations are ongoing.
Wildfires have become a recurring threat in the Mediterranean region, with Italy, Greece, and Spain all experiencing record-breaking blazes in recent years.
When Will Mount Vesuvius Reopen?
Authorities have not set a reopening date. The decision will depend on the fire’s containment, safety inspections, and air quality assessments. Officials stressed that visitor access will only resume once conditions are deemed completely safe.
In the meantime, tourists are being encouraged to explore other attractions in the Campania region, including Naples’ historic center, the Amalfi Coast, and the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum—though some areas near the volcano remain under restricted access.
Mount Vesuvius has stood as a symbol of history, nature, and human resilience for centuries. While the flames may have temporarily silenced its trails, the volcano’s enduring allure ensures that, once the crisis passes, visitors will once again stand on its summit, gazing over the Bay of Naples.
