Thessaloniki courts convict elderly arsonists for separate fires

A 70‑year‑old man was sentenced to three years in prison without suspension for starting a fire in the Kalochoori district of Thessaloniki after an ignited piece of paper fell while he was trying to drive away wasps. The blaze spread from his field to two neighbouring commercial premises, causing material losses estimated at more than €1.4 million. He was also fined €5,886.56 by the fire service and, after filing an appeal, was released pending a second‑instance hearing.

Separately, a 74‑year‑old man was placed in pre‑trial detention after admitting that a cigarette he left on a hospital bed ignited a fire at the Sismanogleio Hospital in Athens’ Attica region. The fire damaged the ward but was contained, and a psychiatric evaluation was ordered. Both cases were processed by Greek courts and highlight concerns over accidental arson by elderly individuals.

The defendants each expressed remorse, with the 70‑year‑old saying, “I wanted to drive away the wasps,” and the 74‑year‑old attributing the blaze to a cigarette that fell on the mattress.