Greece: Man arrested for negligence fire in Thessaloniki

A 66-year-old man has been arrested in Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece, after allegedly causing a fire while performing agricultural work. The incident occurred around 12:41 PM when sparks from a farming machine ignited dry grass on a vacant plot, leading to a fire that consumed approximately 800 square meters.

Firefighters were quickly mobilized to extinguish the blaze. The arrest was made under the "in flagrante delicto" procedure, and the relevant prosecutor's office has been informed. This incident underscores a broader issue highlighted by the Fire Service: human negligence is responsible for the vast majority of fires.

From January 1 to July 7, 2026, Greek authorities have issued 536 administrative fines totaling over 684,000 euros and made 170 arrests. Of these arrests, 157 were for fires caused by negligence, and 13 were for intentional acts. The Fire Service's Directorate for Combating Arson Crimes and its investigative units remain on high alert, conducting thorough checks and assigning responsibility for violations.

The Fire Service reminds the public that adhering to fire safety measures and avoiding activities that could generate sparks or ignition are crucial for protecting lives, the environment, and property. The overwhelming majority of fires stem from human carelessness.