Teen's testimony links Salamina fire to dangerous challenge

A disturbing account from a 14-year-old boy sheds light on a fire that erupted on the Greek island of Salamina, suggesting a dangerous game among minors may be the cause. This incident marks the third fire in the area within a short period, raising serious concerns about public safety and juvenile behavior.

The boy, testifying with his mother present, described being near the Prophet Elias hill when the fire started. He recounted how his friend was playing with a lighter and pine needles shortly before the blaze. After the fire broke out, the boy immediately called emergency services (112) while they fled the scene. His friend later admitted to accidentally starting the fire.

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When the fire started on Prophet Elias, I was nearby, sitting on a bench. My friend and I had gone for a walk there. When the fire started, I saw my friend running with a big fire behind him. I called 112 and we started running. On the way home, my friend told me he started the fire by accident. He was playing with the lighter and the pine needles on the trees.

Following the boy's testimony, his mother promptly contacted the authorities. Investigators from the fire department examined the scene, finding cigarette butts and energy drink cans. They also conducted a reenactment, measuring the time it took to travel from the fire's origin to where a security camera captured the boys' voices, confirming the timeline coincided with the fire's outbreak.

This incident echoes a previous dangerous "fire challenge" that occurred at the foot of Mount Pentelicus, which also led to legal proceedings against minors and their parents. Authorities are now investigating this Salamina fire, exploring the possibility that a similar reckless challenge initiated the blaze. The investigation is ongoing, with potential legal consequences for those involved.

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I told my mother exactly what happened and she told me we have to go to the authorities together to tell them what happened.