Investigation underway into deadly wildfire near Athens

Investigators are looking into the possibility that a faulty power cable may have caused Greece’s worst wildfire this year, as reported by Reuters.

The blaze killed one woman and burned 10,000 hectares of land near Athens, an area roughly the size of Paris.

The fire broke out on August 11 from a forested area near the town of Varnavas, located 35 kilometres from Athens.

Within a day, it had spread to the northern suburbs of the capital.

Residents and officials have been questioned, including a 76-year-old man who pointed to a loose cable attached to a wooden electricity pole near his home as a possible cause of the fire.

Wildfire spreads rapidly across 40 kilometres

The fire quickly covered a distance of 40 kilometres, reaching Athens’ suburbs of Penteli and Vrilissia.

Milder winds have since slowed the fire, but authorities warned of potential flare-ups as winds were expected to intensify.

The fire broke out during a period of high temperatures and strong winds, factors that had placed the country on high fire alert.

Greece has experienced more than 8,000 wildfires in 2023, with climate change contributing to hotter temperatures and drier conditions, increasing the likelihood of fire outbreaks.

Investigators focus on faulty electrical infrastructure

Authorities are focusing their investigation on the electrical infrastructure near the fire’s origin.

Engineers have been deployed to examine the cause, while the power network operator HEDNO stated: “We have no indication that anything wrong such as a short-circuit happened.”

However, the investigation is still ongoing, and arson has not been ruled out as a possible cause.

Local media reported that some residents heard explosions before the fire broke out, and there were accounts of two separate fires occurring initially.

However, official investigations remain focused on the faulty power cable scenario as the leading cause.

Impact of climate change on wildfire risk

Greece has faced increasing wildfire risks in recent years due to the impact of climate change.

This year, the country recorded its warmest winter on record and is on track for its hottest summer, with minimal rainfall in many regions.

These conditions create a perfect environment for wildfires, and the fire brigade noted that the risk of fire outbreaks continues to rise.

In addition to weather conditions, many wildfires in Greece have been attributed to voluntary or involuntary arson, as well as short circuits in electrical infrastructure.

The current investigation will determine whether human factors or climate-related conditions played a greater role in this devastating fire.

Faulty power cable may have caused devastating Greek wildfire: Summary

A faulty power cable is being investigated as a potential cause of Greece’s worst wildfire this year, which killed one woman and burned 10,000 hectares near Athens.

The fire started on August 11 in Varnavas and quickly spread to the capital’s northern suburbs.

Investigators are focusing on the possibility that a loose cable on a wooden electricity pole may have triggered the fire.

Greece’s power network operator, HEDNO, has denied any evidence of malfunction, while local media reported explosions and multiple fire outbreaks.

The investigation continues amid warnings of the growing wildfire risk due to climate change.