Greece Gripped by Wildfires Caused by Arson

Fire department officials in Greece have arrested two men for allegedly starting wildfires on purpose, as the country struggles to contain massive blazes that have killed at least 21 people in the past week. The arrests come as the authorities have blamed arson for several fires throughout the country.

The first man was arrested on the Greek island of Evia for allegedly setting fire to dried grass in the Karystos area. He reportedly confessed to setting four other fires in the same area in July and August. The second man was arrested in the Larissa area of central Greece, accused of intentionally setting fire to dried vegetation.

Minister Vassilis Kikilias, responsible for climate crisis and civil protection, condemned the acts, stating, “Some arsonists are setting fires, endangering forests, property, and above all, human lives. What is happening is not just unacceptable, but despicable and criminal.” He emphasized that those responsible will be found and held accountable to justice.

On Thursday, a major fire broke out on the northern foothills of Mount Parnitha, one of the last green areas of Athens, and continued to burn on Saturday. As fires continued to rage across the country, police arrested a 45-year-old man suspected of arson for allegedly setting at least three fires in the Avlona area. A search of his home uncovered kindling, a fire torch gun, and pine needles.

The situation has been exacerbated by favorable conditions, including gale-force winds and hot, dry summer weather. Firefighters battled 111 blazes on Friday, with dozens more breaking out over the past week. While most were controlled in their early stages, some spread quickly, consuming homes and vast tracts of forest.

Storms were forecast for some areas of Greece on Saturday, with lightning strikes igniting several new fires near the capital. Firefighters, including contingents from France and Cyprus, backed by four helicopters, managed to bring under partial control fires in four areas near Athens.

As the situation continues to unfold, firefighters are working tirelessly to battle the blazes, with authorities urging the public to exercise caution and follow instructions.

In related news, at least 20 bodies were discovered in a forest on Tuesday, with authorities suspecting that they may be asylum seekers who crossed the border from Turkey. The disaster victim identification team is working to identify the remains, and a telephone hotline has been set up for potential relatives of the victims to come forward.

Greece has called for international assistance, with multiple countries, including Germany, Sweden, Croatia, and Cyprus, sending aircraft and firefighters to help contain the blazes. With firefighting resources stretched to the limit, the country has also imposed wildfire prevention regulations, typically from May to October, to limit activities such as the burning of dried vegetation and outdoor barbecues.