Sicily travel warning: Wildfires force evacuation of tourists and threaten heritage site

Wildfires are raging across the Italian island of Sicily, spread by strong winds and arid conditions. 

The blazes have forced residents and tourists to evacuate and caused severe public transport disruption. 

Palermo Airport, which services the island’s capital, was forced to close early on Tuesday morning after fires broke out nearby.

The airport has now reopened, but fires continue to burn in other areas of the island, including in the famed archaeological park of Segesta.

It comes as Sicily swelters in soaring temperatures, creeping towards the European record that was reached two years ago on the island.

Catania, a city on the east coast, registered 47.6 C on Monday afternoon.

According to local media reports, wildfires are raging across the island including around Palermo, Catania and Messina.

Local residents have taken to social media to bring attention to the disaster. 

"People cannot BREATHE from how polluted and hot air is, they are being forced on the street because their homes are BURNING," writes Twitter user Carmen. 

Yesterday, Italian firefighters tackled 650 fires in Sicily. 

In Carruba di Riposto, just north of the city of Catania, a vast wildfire is devastating an area of rich vegetation.

As a precaution, guests at the resorts of Donna Carmela and San Antonio and the Galea agritourism have been evacuated.

Near Trapani on the west coast of the island, resorts and hotels in San Vito Lo Capo have also been evacuated.

The renowned archaeological park of Segesta has been badly affected by fires too. The park is home to some of Italy’s most important ancient buildings.

This includes the Doric Temple dating from the 5th century BC, which local reports say was engulfed in flames on Monday night.

A wildfire caused Palermo’s