The headquarters of the Italian public audiovisual group Rai in Rome was evacuated due to a significant fire that erupted in the Monte Mario area. This fire, which began early in the afternoon, quickly spread, releasing thick black smoke into the sky and threatening several buildings, including the Rai facilities and a nearby police station. Firefighters responded promptly, mobilizing ten intervention brigades and two water-bombing helicopters to control the situation and prevent further damage.
Witnesses reported that the flames were impressive but had been brought under control by the evening. Some vehicles were damaged, but the main concern remained the safety of nearby residents and the integrity of the judicial district around Piazzale Clodio. The mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, visited the scene to assess the situation, which had prompted the evacuation of several buildings, including the Astronomical Observatory at the summit of Monte Mario.
The disruption extended to Rai's broadcasting operations, as live shows were interrupted due to the emergency. Sigfrido Ranucci, a journalist and presenter, shared updates on social media, highlighting the severity of the fire and the ongoing efforts to combat it. As temperatures soared in Rome, the rapid spread of the flames raised concerns about the potential for further incidents in the area.