Greece fights with fires as yacht fireworks spark forest fire. 13 arrested on a Greek island
Thirteen people were arrested after fireworks launched from a yacht caused a forest fire on a Greek island. The Mayor of Hydra is outraged by the incident as the country struggles with fires fueled by strong winds and heat.
8:11 AM EDT, June 23, 2024
Greek authorities arrested 13 people on Saturday after fireworks launched from a yacht caused a forest fire on an island near Athens.
The Mayor of Hydra Island expressed outrage and announced legal action against those responsible.
As highlighted by the British The Guardian, in the past week, amid dozens of fires that have hit Greece, at least one person has died.
The latest fire was caused by fireworks launched from a boat. It burned the only pine forest on the island in a difficult-to-access area without a road. The fire department shared this information on Facebook.
As a result of the investigation conducted by the fire department, thirteen people accused of participating in the fireworks display were arrested and will appear before the prosecutor on Sunday, according to the fire department's statement.
Fire in Greece. what are the consequences for the detained individuals?
Greece has tightened penalties for arson, and perpetrators currently face up to 20 years in prison and a hefty fine of up to 200 thousand euros.
In addition to calling for legal action against the "irresponsible" people behind the fireworks, Hydra Mayor Giorgos Koukoudakis told the public broadcaster ERT that authorities must create more firebreak zones.
The civil protection service has called for heightened vigilance because the risk of fires is "very high," especially in the Attica region, the Peloponnese peninsula, and central Greece.
