Wildfire breaks out in southern Italy

A wildfire broke out on Wednesday in the protected woodlands of Sicily's Mount Etna National Park, the Italian forestry service reported.

Investigators believed the fire was intentional as the blaze had developed from multiple smaller fires, according to the ANSA news agency.

Three planes and a pair of helicopters have been sent to put out the fire, as a joint effort of the forestry service, the navy and the civil protection department of Italy.

Last summer, a similar fire broke out in the same area when high-tension power lines were struck by lightning.

The Mount Etna National Park comprises more than 58,000 hectares around the largest active volcano in Europe. In addition to spectacular lava flows, the reserve also boasts a large stretch of forestland, home to a lot of wildlife.