Thessaloniki court sentences Polish tourist for causing wildfire

A 40-year-old Polish tourist has been sentenced to eight months of imprisonment, with a three-year suspension, for causing a fire through negligence in the Epanomi area of Thessaloniki.

The incident occurred while the individual was hosting an outdoor barbecue under highly unsuitable weather conditions. The resulting fire burned approximately 40 square meters of dry grass before being extinguished by the Fire Service. During his court appearance, the defendant reportedly expressed indifference toward the consequences, stating he did not realize the activity was prohibited and noting that the sea was only a few meters away. He also remarked that he did not have a fire extinguisher with him and claimed he was unaware of recent wildfire risks in the country.