Greece Fire Service: 90% of wildfires caused by negligence

The Greek Fire Service reports that approximately 90% of wildfires are caused by human negligence, while 10% to 11% are attributed to intentional arson. Kostas Tsigas, President of the Fire Service Officers Association, stated that 37 investigative teams across the country are working to identify causes and responsible parties.

Roughly 30% of these incidents are linked to agricultural activities and machinery, followed by tasks involving grinding wheels and welding. Authorities are urging citizens to avoid activities that create sparks, such as burning waste, using fireworks, or barbecuing in rural areas, especially during high temperatures and strong winds.

To improve early detection, 22 thermal cameras have been installed in archaeological sites. The system was recently tested in Mycenae, where thermal imaging successfully detected a fire spot on July 31, allowing for immediate mobilization of firefighting forces.