Thirteen Arrested After Fireworks Spark Forest Fire on Greek Island of Hydra
Thirteen individuals have been arrested in connection with a devastating forest fire on the picturesque Greek island of Hydra, authorities announced. The blaze, which officials allege was ignited by fireworks launched from a yacht, ravaged the island’s only pine forest, causing widespread destruction.
Firefighters faced a challenging battle to bring the fire under control, as the lack of road access to the beach required them to approach by sea, with helicopters dropping water from above. The Greek fire service confirmed that all 13 suspects are Greek citizens and are set to appear before prosecutors on Sunday.
The incident has sparked outrage in Greece, which is already grappling with multiple wildfires amid the country’s first heatwave of the year. Hydra’s mayor, Giorgos Koukoudakis, expressed his dismay at the reckless actions that led to the fire, calling out those responsible for their irresponsible behavior.
Social media users have also condemned the individuals involved, with one person criticizing them as “rich people with more money than brains.” The country remains on high alert for wildfires, with dry conditions, strong winds, and high temperatures expected to persist throughout the summer.
Tragically, a volunteer firefighter lost his life battling a separate fire in the southern region of Ilia on the Peloponnese peninsula. The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in Greece, including heatwaves, have been linked to climate change, while the country also faces a persistent issue with arsonists.
Last August, nearly 80 individuals were arrested in connection with deadly wildfires, prompting the government to introduce stricter laws targeting arsonists. Offenders now face up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to €200,000, as authorities work to prevent further devastation caused by reckless actions.
