Israeli arrested over wildfire in Crete

Authorities in Rethymno, Crete, have arrested a 35-year-old Israeli national in connection with a wildfire that broke out on August 14, 2026. The fire ignited in the southern part of the Rethymno regional unit, within the municipality of Agios Vasileios, and posed a significant threat before being brought under control.

According to the investigation, the man is suspected of causing the fire through negligence while using a barbecue. The incident occurred at 7:11 PM, a time when the area was under a high fire risk category (category 4).

The suspect was apprehended on August 15, 2026, under a flagrante delicto procedure. He will face judicial proceedings for negligent arson.

This arrest comes amidst a broader crackdown on fire-related offenses in Greece. From January 1 to August 15, 2026, authorities have imposed a total of 716 fines amounting to over 1.1 million euros. During the same period, 297 individuals have been arrested in summary proceedings. Of these arrests, 267 (approximately 90%) were for negligent arson, while 30 (about 10%) were for intentional arson.