A 44-year-old man is now in custody, having been arrested in connection with the major wildfire that broke out in the Pastra area of Kefalonia. The arrest was made following an investigation by fire investigation officers from the Argostoli Fire Service. According to preliminary inquiry findings, the man allegedly started the fire using an open flame. The fire broke out at 11:21 PM on Saturday, August 1, and has so far burned more than 6,000 stremma (approximately 1,500 acres).
Kefalonia wildfire: 44-year-old arrested on charges of deliberate arson
Following the completion of the preliminary inquiry and orders issued by prosecutorial authorities, the suspect was arrested under flagrante delicto proceedings, in cooperation with the Hellenic Police, on charges of deliberate arson. A formal criminal case file has been compiled against him.
It is worth noting that the arrested individual had previously come to the attention of authorities in connection with arson cases, and had already been convicted and served a sentence for related offenses.
It is also noted that from January 1 through August 2, 2026, a total of 642 administrative fines have been imposed, amounting to €952,026.36, while 257 arrests have been made under flagrante delicto proceedings — of which 228 (88.72%) were for arson through negligence and 29 (11.28%) for deliberate arson.
The Directorate for Combating Arson Crimes (D.A.E.E.) and the investigative units of the Hellenic Fire Service continue their investigations into every suspected fire with undiminished intensity, utilizing all available evidence and moving swiftly to arrest and prosecute those who act with intent.
The Hellenic Fire Service makes clear that deliberate arson is a serious criminal offense that will be treated with zero tolerance. Every perpetrator will be identified, arrested, and held accountable for the consequences of their actions, which pose an immediate threat to human lives, destroy the natural environment, and endanger property and critical infrastructure.
