Thirteen individuals have been arrested in connection with a forest fire on the Greek island of Hydra, which authorities believe was ignited by fireworks launched from a yacht. The blaze erupted on Friday, severely damaging the island’s only pine forest, a key tourist attraction south of Athens.
Firefighting Challenges
The fire, now under control, posed significant challenges for firefighting efforts. Due to the lack of roads leading to the beach, firefighters had to reach the area by sea. Additionally, helicopters were deployed to drop water from above to help extinguish the flames.
Arrests and Legal Proceedings
The Greek fire service announced on Saturday that all 13 arrested individuals are Greek citizens. They are scheduled to appear before prosecutors on Sunday to face charges related to the fire.
Public Outrage and Ongoing Wildfires
The cause of the fire has sparked public outrage in Greece, which is already contending with multiple wildfires amid its first heatwave of the year. The incident adds to the strain on firefighting resources, as the country grapples with widespread blazes.
Tragic Loss
The fire on Hydra follows the tragic death of a 55-year-old volunteer firefighter, who succumbed to injuries sustained while battling a fire in the southern region of Ilia on the Peloponnese peninsula on Friday. His death highlights the dangers faced by those on the front lines of Greece’s wildfire crisis.
