Greece Wildfires: Authorities Combat Arsonists as Deadly Blazes Threaten Lives and Forests
As Greece battles a wave of devastating wildfires, authorities are increasingly pointing to acts of arson as the cause behind several blazes. These intentional acts have not only posed a significant threat to human lives, but also endangered precious forests and properties. The country’s largest fires, including those in the northeastern region of Evros and on the outskirts of Athens, have left many searching for answers about what sparked these deadly infernos.
Greek officials, including Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias, have expressed their outrage and frustration at the actions of these arsonists. Kikilias condemned their acts as not only unacceptable but also despicable and criminal. He stressed that these individuals are not only endangering lives and property, but also committing a crime against the whole country.
The Avlona area, located in the northern foothills of Mount Parnitha near Athens, experienced the intentional setting of nine fires within just four hours on Thursday morning. At the time, a major fire was already burning on the southern side of the mountain, further exacerbating the situation.
Thankfully, the authorities took quick action and managed to arrest a 45-year-old man suspected of arson in the Avlona area. During a search of his home, police found evidence including kindling, a fire torch gun, and pine needles. Despite these measures, Greece continues to face daily outbreaks of fires due to gale-force winds and hot, dry summer conditions that have created the perfect environment for the rapid spread of flames.
Firefighters have tirelessly battled 111 blazes on Friday alone, with 59 of them igniting within a span of just 24 hours. While most fires were successfully controlled in their early stages, some grew into massive blazes, causing significant damage to homes and vast areas of forests. To compound the situation, lightning strikes from recent storms have also ignited additional fires near the Greek capital.
In response to the ongoing crisis, Greece has sought assistance from other European countries. Germany, Sweden, Croatia, and Cyprus have sent aircraft, while firefighting teams from Romania, France, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Albania, Slovakia, and Serbia have provided crucial ground support.
The largest fire in Greece, which has been burning near the city of Alexandroupolis in the Evros region, entered its eighth day on Saturday. Tragically, at least 20 lives have been claimed by this devastating blaze. Authorities fear that the victims, including two boys aged between 10 and 15, may have been recent migrants who crossed the border from Turkey. The Disaster Victim Identification Team has been activated to identify the remains, and a hotline has been set up for potential relatives to reach out.
Meanwhile, another fire broke out on the Cycladic island of Andros on Saturday, prompting an evacuation order for a nearby village. A lightning strike is suspected to be the cause of this particular blaze. Greek authorities have urged the public to exercise caution due to ongoing intense thunderstorm activity in various parts of the country.
Amidst this crisis, Greece remains resolute in its determination to bring the arsonists to justice. Greek citizens and authorities alike unite in their call for an end to these senseless acts, as the country continues to grapple with the devastating consequences of these deliberate fires.
