Sicilian mountain police are urging people to keep their distance from Mount Etna’s lava flows and to follow the local rules, as tourists flock to the volcano to witness its ongoing explosive eruption.

Giuseppe Distefano, a photojournalist who collaborates with international media organisations via his firm, Etna Walk, has more than 20 years of expertise on Mount Etna. Since Europe’s most active volcano started erupting on February 8, he has observed a worrying deterioration of tourist behaviour.

“During these 12 days of eruptions, we have seen so many absurd situations. There are some walking to the lava flow with plastic bags on their feet so as to not wet their shoes with snow and ice,” he says.

Restrictions require people to stay at least 500m (1,640ft) away from the lava flow. Skiing is also banned, but there is footage showing people ignoring this rule. Some ill-prepared tourists are getting into trouble on the volcano due to the foggy and icy conditions.