How arsonists used cats to spread Italy’s wildfires
Flaming Felines: The Ancient Tactic Resurfaces in Italy’s Wildfire Crisis
Goldlaner.com – As devastating wildfires swept through southern Italy this week, investigators uncovered a disturbing and ancient method of arson: cats outfitted with burning rags tied to their tails. Domenico Costarella, representing Calabria’s Civil Protection Agency, shared video evidence on Facebook that captured the scene. “These animals were released into the fields, running around and spreading the fire,” he explained, describing how the frightened creatures became living torches, igniting dry vegetation as they fled.
Beyond the feline arsonists, authorities discovered additional indicators pointing to deliberate fire-setting. Candles positioned among flammable materials and delayed ignition mechanisms were found at multiple locations, suggesting a coordinated effort to ignite the landscape. Firefighting crews continue their relentless efforts to control the flames surrounding Calabria’s Pollino National Park. Italian broadcaster RAI reported Wednesday that emergency teams had completed over 160 missions within Calabria during a single 24-hour period, demonstrating the scale of the response required.
Justice Sought for the Victims
The Italian Association for the Defense of Animals and the Environment has taken legal action, filing a criminal complaint against those responsible for the cruel practice. The organization is offering a 1,000 euro reward for information leading to the identification of individuals who set the cats ablaze. This incident has also captured public attention on prediction markets, where people are placing bets on wildfire outcomes, though experts warn such speculation could complicate disaster response efforts.
A Season of Fire
Europe has experienced what the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) describes as a particularly severe fire season this year. The conditions began with a wet winter that encouraged abundant new vegetation growth. This fresh plant material then dried out following three consecutive summer heatwaves, transforming the landscape into highly flammable tinder. While 2026 has seen somewhat fewer fires compared to previous years across the continent, EFFIS noted in a daily bulletin that the current fire season remains above the 20-year historical average.
Historical Roots of Cat Arson
The use of cats to spread fire is not unprecedented in southern Italy. Historical records show that in 2016, Sicilian authorities attributed forest fires in a national park to organized crime groups employing this same technique. The following year, officials documented similar incidents occurring outside Naples, near the iconic Mount Vesuvius. Lauren Pearson, a UC Berkeley researcher who has studied Mediterranean fire patterns, told CNN that evidence suggests Mafia organizations frequently utilize arson as a strategy to establish territorial dominance. After burning land, these groups often purchase property at inflated prices during the recovery period.
Modern Motives and Clean Energy
In recent years, Pearson observed that organized crime has adapted to Italy’s transition toward renewable energy. One farmer who testified before an anti-Mafia commission in 2022 revealed that solar panel companies approached him to purchase his land after it had been burned. Sergio Nazzaro, a journalist and former spokesperson for the president of the Anti-Mafia Parliamentary Commission, explained that Mafia organizations exploit emergency situations through front companies, controlling everything from the labor force that ignites the fires to securing construction concessions on the charred land.
A Call for Societal Change
In Calabria, Costarella emphasized that combating this persistent problem requires more than just firefighting. “We are getting back to work and returning to our posts, but we need a shift in mindset,” he stated, calling for deeper cultural transformation. “These are inhumane acts. Sadly, men are their own worst enemies.” His words underscore the connection between human conflict, organized crime, and the environmental devastation that continues to plague southern Italy’s vulnerable ecosystems.
