More than 50 other wildfires continue to rage on the Italian island, forcing at least 600 local people and tourists to be evacuated particularly irelated to a blaze near the towns of Posada and Siniscola.
A pensioner was injured by a gas cannister that exploded because of the fire, while a 78-year-old woman suffered burns to her arms and legs, and a 23-year-old man had to be taken to hospital in Nuoro by helicopter due to severe smoke inhalation.
The other injured person is a firefighter who hurt his knee while combating the blaze.
Authorities have found evidence that the main fire, which has been fed by strong mistral winds, was started deliberately.
“I have given a mandate to the regional forest guards to intensify investigations throughout the territory to identify those responsible and bring them to justice,” Sardinia Governor Christian Solinas, said.
The fires have been spreading since Sunday, due to hot, dry, and windy conditions.
Teams of firefighters, including water-carrying aircraft, are currently trying to bring the wildfires under control.
Giorgio Fresu, a town councilor for Posada, one of the towns closest to the fires, told media that despite a large deployment of firefighters the situation is “truly dramatic”.
“The wind is blowing so forcefully that it is not a fair fight,” he said.
In the island’s south, the mayor of regional capital Cagliari, Paolo Truzzu, has ordered the closure of parks and cemeteries.
In total, more than 750 hectares of land have been severely burned, according to media reports.
Sardinia’s airports remain open, although ground transport across the island has been crippled.
Officials in Sardinia have warned of health risks for those not forced to evacuate, advising residents and visitors to limit exposure to smoke from the fires.
Those with chronic respiratory issues are at greatest risk.
ANSA
