How arsonists used cats to spread Italy’s wildfires

Europe World Fri, 24 Jul 2026 19:14:44 GMT High confidence — 81/100

As wildfires blazed in southern Italy this week, authorities probing for arson found a grisly clue: cats “with flammable-soaked rags tied to their tails.
” “These animals were released into the fields, running around and spreading the fire,” said Domenico Costarella of Calabria’s Civil Protection Agency in a video posted on Facebook on Tuesday.
He added that other pieces of evidence also pointed to arson, including candles lit among flammable rags and delayed ignition devices.

” “These animals were released into the fields, running around and spreading the fire,” said Domenico Costarella of Calabria’s Civil Protection Agency in a video posted on Facebook on Tuesday.

As wildfires blazed in southern Italy this week, authorities probing for arson found a grisly clue: cats “with flammable-soaked rags tied to their tails.
He added that other pieces of evidence also pointed to arson, including candles lit among flammable rags and delayed ignition devices.

Sources: CNN, The Independent