Rome fire displaces Spin Time residents, who sleep outside in heatwave

About 400 people who lived in Rome's Spin Time building have been sleeping outside near its entrance after a fire on 29 July forced them to evacuate. Police have since blocked access to the property, leaving the residents without a clear timeline for their return.

The building, formerly used as public offices, has been squatted since 2013 by low-income families and individuals who could not keep up with Rome's rising housing costs. When the fire broke out, residents were forced to leave everything behind and have remained on the street since then.

Volunteers have stepped in to support the displaced people. Footage from the scene shows residents resting on camping beds while children cool off in inflatable pools. Volunteers are also distributing meals and providing medical care during an ongoing heatwave.

Doctors at the scene say the combination of high temperatures and uncertainty is taking a toll on vulnerable residents, particularly the elderly and children. They warn that prolonged exposure to the heat could worsen their health conditions.

Meanwhile, negotiations are reportedly underway to reach an agreement that would allow Rome's city government to use the building for public housing. Until a deal is reached, the residents continue to wait outside, hoping for a solution.