Greek authorities arrest five over fire‑causing negligence

Greek fire‑prevention officers detained five people in the past 24 hours for violations that sparked wildfires across the country. A 63‑year‑old man was arrested in Agios Georgios, Pelasgia (Fthiotida) after a fire started while he operated an agricultural tractor. In the Serres region, a foreign national was caught for a blaze caused by a mowing machine in the municipality of Sinthiki.

Two men in Eastern Attica faced charges for breaching fire‑prevention rules: a 39‑year‑old in Keratea performed hot work with a wheel, and a 52‑year‑old in Markopoulo used an outdoor barbecue, each receiving a €3,000 administrative fine. A 56‑year‑old was arrested on Rhodes after leaving a gasoline‑powered pump running, igniting nearby vegetation.

Firefighters reported a total of 44 fires nationwide in the last day, with 37 contained quickly. The arrests underscore heightened enforcement of Greece’s fire‑safety legislation.