Arta substation fire and explosions prompt arrest of DEH director

Explosions and a fire broke out at the high‑voltage substation (KYT Arathou) in the Grammetissa area of Arta, Greece, on the night of 1 August 2026. The incident caused widespread power outages in Arta and surrounding mountainous areas. Residents reported hearing loud blasts, and the fire spread to nearby vegetation before being contained by about 20 firefighters and ten fire engines.

The Arta Prosecutor's Office launched an urgent criminal investigation. The director of the regional electricity distribution company (DEH) for Arta was arrested by the Fire Service’s Crime‑Combating Unit, examined for several hours, and transferred to police custody. He has been ordered to appear in court and given a deadline to prepare his defence. Authorities have also appointed an expert to examine the causes of the fire and are searching for a maintenance technician who was absent at the time of the incident. The investigation remains ongoing to determine the exact circumstances that led to the explosions and fire at the critical energy infrastructure.