Fourth major fire in Rome in four weeks in suspected arson

Smoke from a large fire in the eastern part of Rome hung over the city over the weekend in the fourth major blaze in as many weeks, with the authorities suspecting arson. The latest fire broke out early on Saturday, with the flames spreading to a number of car scrap dealers and part of a park. A large pillar of black smoke could be seen from across the city. The fire services reported on Saturday that the fire was under control. Around 100 firefighters in 50 vehicles were deployed, including a specialist fire engine from Ciampino Airport. Four buildings were evacuated as a precautionary measure, with 130 families affected. People in the area were instructed to keep doors and windows closed and to wear masks outside. 'It's now clear that Rome is being attacked by pyromaniacs,' Claudio Mancini, an associated of Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, said. The city administration and the new mayor are believed by many to be the target of the deliberate fires. 'Whether these are individual acts or the actions of organized crime, the investigations will reveal,' Mancini said.