Massive Blaze Erupts Near Milan Cathedral; Thick Black Smoke Billows Skyward, Malfunctioning Air Conditioner Blamed

Early on July 17, a terrace fire broke out beside Milan Cathedral, ignited by a faulty air conditioner. Outdoor soft furnishings intensified the blaze and generated massive black smoke, confusing local residents. Fire crews deployed four vehicles and spent nearly three hours putting out the fire, with no injuries reported. A nearby road was temporarily shut down for rescue work and has reopened. Amid Italy’s ongoing heatwave, fire authorities warned residents of air conditioning fire risks and released a set of safety operation guidelines, as electrical fires triggered by cooling equipment occur frequently every summer.