Arrests Made for Arson in Evros and Grevena; Negligence Causes 88% of Fires This Year

Greek fire services have made arrests in Evros and Grevena for fires caused by negligence, reinforcing that human carelessness remains the leading cause of wildfires in the country. The incidents serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing risks associated with preventable fire outbreaks.

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Immediate was the reaction of the Investigative Unit for Arson Crimes (A.K.A.E.E.) of Evros of the Directorate for the Response to Arson Crimes (D.A.E.E.), as well as the Fire Service of Grevena, for two fires due to negligence that broke out in Lefkimi, Evros and in an area of Grevena.

In Evros, the Fire and Arson Crimes Directorate's investigative unit responded swiftly to a blaze in Lefkimi. The fire, which started on Friday afternoon, was reportedly caused by a 19-year-old Canadian national. His vehicle lost tire pressure, leading to overheating and igniting dry grass. The young man was arrested on the spot.

Similarly, in Grevena, a fire broke out earlier on Friday during the burning of plant debris. The local investigative department of the Fire Service arrested a 69-year-old man in connection with the incident. Both arrests were made under the self-evident procedure, indicating immediate action by authorities.

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According to the Fire Service, from January 1 to July 24, 2026, 608 administrative fines have been imposed, totaling €858,177.11. At the same time, 221 arrests have been made under the self-evident procedure.

Official figures reveal a concerning trend: from January 1 to July 24, 2026, Greek authorities have issued 608 administrative fines totaling over 858,000 euros. More significantly, 221 individuals have been arrested. Of these arrests, 195 were for fires caused by negligence, accounting for 88.24% of cases, while 26 were for intentional arson, representing 11.76%. The Fire Service continues to urge citizens to adhere strictly to fire safety measures and avoid activities that could spark ignition, emphasizing that the majority of fires are still preventable.

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The majority of fires continue to be caused by human negligence, urging citizens to strictly adhere to fire safety measures and avoid activities that may cause sparks or ignition.