(ANSA) - ROME, JUL 31 - A vast fire on Wednesday broke out in Rome near the criminal court in Piazzale Clodio creating a high column of smoke visible throughout the area of Monte Mario.
Firefighters and civil protection officials worked to extinguish the flames and evacuated four buildings and the Astronomy Observatory State broadcaster RAI's studios in Via Teulada were also evacuated for safety reasons.
"The flames were already so high early in the afternoon, we saw the column of smoke, black and dense, and then we heard a few explosions", said a Monte Mario resident.
"We were scared and we got out on the street", said another, noting residents are afraid as they see flames burning on the hill and getting closer to residential buildings