Three thousand euros for lighting a barbecue in the yard: Four arrests for causing fires

Greek authorities have arrested four individuals and imposed significant fines for causing fires through negligence and dangerous activities, highlighting the ongoing risks during high-risk periods. The Directorate for Combating Arson Crimes (DAEE) made the arrests across Attica, Zakynthos, and Lesvos.

In Zakynthos, two men, a 50-year-old local and a 40-year-old foreigner, were arrested for allegedly causing a fire in Marathias. The fire reportedly started from an all-terrain recreational vehicle carrying tourists. Separately, in Stamata, Attica, a 33-year-old man was arrested for lighting a portable charcoal barbecue in a residential area adjacent to forest land on a day with a category 4 (very high) fire danger index. He was fined €3,000.

Another arrest occurred in Lesvos, where a 63-year-old man was apprehended for performing hot welding work during a category 4 fire danger day. He also received a €3,000 fine and is being held pending a court appearance. These incidents underscore the severe consequences of disregarding fire safety regulations, especially during periods of heightened risk.

Nationwide, from January 1 to August 11, 2026, Greek authorities have issued 692 administrative fines totaling over €1 million and made 281 arrests for fire-related offenses. The majority of these arrests, 89.68%, were for negligence, while 10.32% were intentional. The Fire Service emphasized its readiness to investigate all fire starts and assign responsibility, particularly given the current favorable conditions for fire spread due to strong winds and high temperatures.