Emergency crews battled a large wildfire along the slopes of Mount Vesuvius on Wednesday, July 12, as authorities blamed arson for the blaze.

Firefighters in Italy have been strained due to more than 300 wildfires raging across the country, reported The Local. High temperatures and drought have contributed to the precarious conditions.

The mayor of Naples, Luigi de Magistris, called on the Italian government to issue a national state of emergency over the widespread wildfires, including the Vesuvius blaze, reported La Repubblica.

Il Mattino reported homes and restaurants have been evacuated near Vesuvius.

This video was shared on July 12. Credit: Twitter/comeuniceberg via Storyful