74 arrested for fires in Greece this year; 71-year-old fined for blaze in Loutraki

Greek authorities have apprehended 74 individuals in connection with fire incidents from the start of 2026 up to June 8, according to the Fire Service. The arrests were made under immediate apprehension procedures.

Among those arrested was a 71-year-old man in Perachora, Corinthia, suspected of starting a fire while clearing vegetation without taking necessary safety precautions. He was fined 5,821.87 euros. The Fire Service reported that 68 of the arrests, or 91.89%, were due to negligence, while 6 arrests, or 8.11%, were for intentional acts.

During the same period, 404 administrative fines totaling 391,093.93 euros were imposed. The investigative services of the Fire Service are continuing their checks and promptly imposing administrative and criminal penalties for violations of the law.

The country experienced heightened fire activity in the preceding 24 hours, with 33 agricultural and forest fires reported nationwide. Firefighting forces successfully extinguished 30 of these fires in their initial stages, while operations continue for three others. Local investigative offices and units are working to determine the causes of these fires.