Greek authorities investigate wildfires as arsonist suspected

Wildfires in Greece under investigation

Greek authorities are investigating the possibility that the wildfires threatening Athens were started by a single arsonist.

Civil protection minister Vassilis Kikilias stated that officials found evidence suggesting the fire near Athens was caused by arson, combined with extreme weather conditions.

A fire service spokesman noted the challenges faced by the force, stating: “Almost every 10 minutes a new fire breaks out.”

In Koropi, a storage facility and at least one home were destroyed, with the flames spreading to a boat dry dock and across fields of dry grass and olive trees.

Authorities have evacuated two nearby villages as a precaution.

The heatwave has also led to several foreign tourists dying or going missing while hiking.

Among them, 59-year-old American tourist Albert Calibet has been missing since last Tuesday on the island of Amorgos.

At least five tourists have been found dead on the Greek Islands in recent weeks.

Fire protection technical reports deadline

Today marks the deadline for the submission of fire protection technical reports by property owners near or within forested areas in Greece.

After submitting the technical and risk reports prepared by relevant scientists, property owners must complete necessary interventions by the end of June.

These include pruning trees, shrubs, and removing combustible materials, followed by submitting a Fire Protection Regulation compliance report.

Government sources indicate that no extension of the deadline is currently planned.

The priority is for citizens living close to or within forested areas to take necessary actions to prepare for potential fires.

Scientists are expected to inform property owners about the risks and recommend measures based on their financial capabilities.

The aim is to protect lives and property while easing the fire brigade’s efforts.

Implementation of fire protection measures

This year’s Fire Protection Regulation declarations will also serve as a practical exercise for relevant agencies to identify gaps, shortcomings, and omissions in the process.

The declarations, submitted manually or by email by scientific engineers, surveyors, foresters, or agronomists, will help in planning future interventions.

The application of measures for compliance has been suspended for this year, with mandatory measures focusing on the first line of protection from fire.

These include clearing branches and trees adjacent to buildings, dry grass, bushes, rubbish, and other combustible materials outdoors.

Property owners have until June 30 to complete these tasks and submit their declarations on the online platform.