Two arrested over fire near Thebes that reportedly began at a solar park

Two men were arrested after a wildfire in the Mytikas area of the municipality of Thebes, in Boeotia, reportedly began during work at a photovoltaic park.

The fire broke out at about 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2, and affected an area of roughly 3,000 acres, according to initial information. A specialist Fire Brigade unit investigating arson offenses went to the site and examined the possible causes.

Investigators concluded that the fire started while workers were clearing vegetation with a mechanical brush cutter at the solar park. The flames then spread rapidly. Authorities arrested the two men, aged 53 and 45, under the expedited criminal procedure. They remain in custody and are due to appear before the responsible prosecutor the following day.

The Fire Brigade’s arson crimes directorate urged residents to exercise maximum caution while weather and meteorological conditions continue to favor fires. It warned people to avoid outdoor work that could create sparks, overheating or an open flame, especially the use of agricultural machinery and other mechanical equipment when adequate fire-safety conditions cannot be guaranteed. Residents were also urged to follow fire-protection measures and check the daily fire-risk index.

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The Fire Brigade’s arson crimes directorate urges citizens to exercise the greatest possible caution while weather and meteorological conditions continue to favor the ignition and rapid spread of fires.