Despite repeated warnings, citizens continue to carry out hazardous activities or act recklessly, increasing the risk of wildfires, as evidenced by three arrests made by the Fire Service in Attica, Argolida, and Rodopi. Agricultural work is reportedly the cause of the fire that broke out in Imeros, Rodopi.
The three arrests, related to fire incidents and violations of fire safety legislation, were carried out under flagrant offence procedures, following investigations by the Fire Service’s Arson Crime Investigation Units and local investigative departments.
Read more: Rodopi: Fire no longer has an active front — Fire service units remain deployed in the area
Wildfires: Angle grinder, paper burning, and farm work spark fires
Fire Service authorities arrested a 58-year-old man on Wednesday, August 12. According to the report, he was using an angle grinder in a yard near vegetation, despite Civil Protection having placed Attica under a high fire danger rating — Category 4 — on the same day. The man was issued an administrative fine of €3,000 for violating current legislation.
In Poulakida, Nafplio, a man was arrested in connection with a fire that broke out on Tuesday, August 11 and is attributed to negligence. According to investigative findings, the suspect was burning paper using an open flame inside a metal barrel, which caused the fire to ignite. He was issued an administrative fine of €2,250.
Finally, in the Ampelakia area of Imeros, Rodopi, a 62-year-old man was also arrested on Wednesday, August 12. He is alleged to have negligently caused a fire during agricultural work. According to the Fire Service, the man was operating an agricultural tractor fitted with a rotary tiller when the fire broke out and quickly spread.
Wildfires: 30 arrests for intentional acts
Fire Service data reflects the scale of violations recorded since the beginning of 2026. From January 1 through August 12, 2026, a total of 285 arrests have been made under flagrant offence procedures. Of these, 255 — accounting for 89.47% — relate to incidents caused by negligence, while 30 — or 10.53% — involve intentional acts. During the same period, 696 administrative fines have been issued, totalling €1,080,598.99.
The Arson Crime Investigation Directorate and its regional units are operating at heightened readiness, as extreme heat and strong winds are creating particularly favorable conditions for the ignition and rapid spread of wildfires.
The Fire Service is also issuing a strong advisory to the public to comply with current fire bans, consult the daily Fire Danger Forecast Map, and avoid any activities that could trigger a wildfire.
