Greece: Three arrested in Lesvos and Corinthia for negligent wildfires
Three people have been arrested in Lesvos and Corinthia following investigations into fires that broke out on Friday, August 7.
In Stipsi, Lesvos, a 23-year-old was arrested after investigations determined a fire was caused by the negligent disposal of a cigarette butt. The blaze burned approximately 270 square meters of dry grass and waste. The individual was also issued an administrative fine of 1,804.68 euros.
In the Corinthia region, specifically at the Lakka site in the community of Stefani, two local residents were arrested. The fire, which occurred at 16:04, was caused by a short circuit in the electrical equipment of a photovoltaic park. The fire spread to adjacent forest areas due to low vegetation, burning roughly 500 stremmata of forest and 50 stremmata of agricultural land, totaling 550 stremmata.
Authorities reported that between January 1 and August 8, 2026, a total of 680 administrative fines totaling over 1 million euros have been issued, alongside 274 arrests. Of these arrests, approximately 89.42% were attributed to negligence, while 10.58% were linked to intentional arson.
Entities: Corinthia · Fire Department Arson Crimes Unit · Lesvos · Stefani · Stipsi
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The fire in Lesvos burned approximately 270 square meters of dry grass and waste. (Investigation findings)
- [● 3 SOURCES] In Stipsi, Lesvos, a 23-year-old was arrested for a fire caused by the negligent disposal of a cigarette butt. (Investigation findings)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The fire in Corinthia burned approximately 500 stremmata of forest and 50 stremmata of agricultural land. (Investigation findings)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The 23-year-old in Lesvos was issued an administrative fine of 1,804.68 euros. (Investigation findings)
- [DISPUTED] From January 1 to August 8, 2026, 680 administrative fines totaling 1,045,736.74 euros have been issued. (Official statistics)
- [DISPUTED] A total of 274 arrests have been made this year, with 89.42% due to negligence and 10.58% due to intent. (Official statistics)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Three people were arrested following investigations into fires that occurred on Friday, August 7. (Fire Department's Arson Crimes Unit)
- [● 3 SOURCES] In Corinthia, at the 'Lakka' site in Stefani, two residents were arrested regarding a fire caused by a short circuit in a solar park's electrical equipment. (Investigation findings)