Wildfire in Oinoi: 'Testimonies suggest it may have started from a cigarette thrown from a passing vehicle,' says Mandra Mayor

A wildfire in Oinoi, Greece, is being investigated for a potential cause involving a cigarette discarded from a passing vehicle, according to testimonies gathered by local residents and reported by the Mayor of Mandra, Armodios Drikos.

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Testimonies report that it may have started from a cigarette thrown from a passing vehicle.

Speaking to ERT, Drikos stated that while the exact cause is under investigation, residents reported seeing a cigarette thrown from a vehicle on a main road shortly before the first signs of smoke appeared. "This is not something we have confirmed, but we are considering it as a possibility for the fire's cause," he said.

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The fire broke out under difficult weather conditions. Unfortunately, very strong winds are blowing in the area.

The fire broke out under challenging weather conditions, with particularly strong winds hampering firefighting efforts. Drikos described the situation at the time of the outbreak, noting the powerful gusts in the area.

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There are reports from residents who claim they saw a cigarette being thrown from a passing vehicle onto a main road, and a few minutes later, the first smoke appeared.

Despite the difficult conditions, the situation had a positive turn as the wind shifted, directing the flames towards a mountainous, forested area away from settlements. "The positive thing is that no human lives are in danger," Drikos emphasized. He explained that although the first houses were only 20 meters from where the fire started, the change in wind direction fortunately moved the fire front towards the mountain, posing no immediate threat to homes.

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This is not something we have confirmed, but we are keeping it as a possibility for the causes of the fire.