Greece is grappling with a significant increase in arrests related to wildfires, highlighting a persistent human element in the country’s fire season. The data reveals a complex picture, with both negligence and intentional arson contributing to the crisis.
In the current fire season in Greece, over 310 individuals have been arrested on suspicion of starting wildfires. Notably, the Directorate for Combating Arson Crimes (DAEE) has made fifty arrests so far this year, a sharp increase from fewer than ten in the previous years.
In 2024, the majority of arrests were for intentional arson (36 cases) versus 15 for negligence. By 2025 (up to July), negligence-related arrests surged to 35, more than doubling those for intentional arson.
The Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Yiannis Kefalogiannis, has repeatedly emphasized the role of human action, stating, “Seven out of ten fires are caused by human factors and mainly by negligence.” This points to the need for greater public awareness and responsibility.
Common causes of negligence in Greece wildfires
Fires caused by negligence can result from various avoidable actions, including:
- discarding lit cigarettes or matches in dry, flammable areas.
- lighting fires outdoors without proper precautions, especially near dry vegetation.
- careless burning of dry grass and agricultural residues.
- sparks from agricultural machinery.
- Abandoned campfires that aren’t fully extinguished.
- Poorly maintained electrical equipment causing short circuits.
Investigations for arson-related wildfires in Greece
Recent fires across Greece are under intense scrutiny, with authorities gathering evidence including photographs, videos, and witness testimonies.
- Zakynthos: A 59-year-old man with a history of arson, previously arrested for starting two fires, is once again a suspect in a recent blaze.
- Vonitsa: Three separate fires broke out in the early morning hours in Paliabela and Vatos, leading authorities to investigate two suspects.
- Preveza: Investigators are focusing on a blue motorcycle and its driver, who were seen near the fire’s origin.
- Patras: Authorities arrested a 25-year-old man on suspicion of attempted arson in the district of Girokomeio.
According to police, the suspect was spotted in a rural field attempting to ignite a fire. Witnesses photographed and filmed the incident before alerting law enforcement.
The man allegedly attempted to flee the scene on his motorcycle after setting the blaze but was intercepted and taken into custody shortly before 6 p.m. on Wednesday.
Satellite data shows 24,000 acres affected in just two days
As Greece contends with widespread forest fires across the country, preliminary satellite data shows that nearly 24,700 acres (about 10,000 hectares) have been impacted by six major fire fronts in the past two days.
Early-morning temperature hotspot data from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) satellites revealed the extent of the affected areas, with estimated damage in each region as follows:
- Chios: ~9,880 acres (4,000 hectares)
- Moiraiika, Achaia: ~4,940 acres (2,000 hectares)
- Filippiada (Preveza region): ~4,450 acres (1,800 hectares)
- Zakynthos: ~4,210 acres (1,700 hectares)
- Paliampela (Preveza): ~618 acres (250 hectares)
- Patras area: ~494 acres (200 hectares)
Authorities emphasize that these figures do not reflect the actual area burned but rather the regions where fire activity was detected.
Wildfires are raging across parts of Europe, including Spain, Portugal, Turkey, and the Balkans, fueled by extreme heat, wind, and drought. Scientists link the surging forest fires each year with global warming in the Mediterranean region.
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