Fiery spectacle from Sicily's Mount Etna

Plumes of red ash and molten rock shot into the sky over Italy on Wednesday as Mount Etna burst into life for the 15th time this year.

This time the volcano's lava explosions did not force the closure of the local airport in Sicily, as strong winds dispersed the ash cloud before any disruption was caused.

There is some concern that Mount Etna could be getting ready for a big eruption after increasing activity in 2011.