Investigators are now focusing on the overhead power line connecting a wind farm to the main electricity transmission grid as part of the inquiry into the massive wildfire that broke out near Agios Vasileios in Boeotia, before spreading into West Attica and becoming the largest fire recorded so far this summer.
Attica-Boeotia wildfire: On-site inspection by arson investigators and forensic experts
On Friday (14/8), the Arson Crimes Investigation Directorate (DAEE) conducted its first on-site inspection of the area where the fire originated, in the presence of forensic experts, following a directive issued by the Thebes Investigating Magistrate. This marks a critical stage in the investigation, as officers are now delving deep into the technical details and construction specifications of the overhead electrical network in the area that, according to evidence gathered so far, is linked to the start of the devastating blaze.
Ten specialist officers deployed to the scene
A team of ten specialist officers and officials from the DAEE was deployed to Agios Vasileios, including personnel with technical and scientific expertise in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and related fields. Forensic experts and technical advisers representing the defendants also participated in the inspection, as the investigation is being conducted within the framework of the judicial inquiry process.
Investigators combed through the electrical grid line connecting the area’s wind farm to the central transmission network, recording and technically evaluating findings along the length of the line — with particular attention paid to the specific section from which the fire is believed to have started.
The key question now is whether the findings from the on-site inspection will speak for themselves and, combined with the remaining body of evidence, provide answers about exactly what happened before the first flames appeared.
Over 110,000 stremmata (27,000+ acres) consumed by fire
The gravity of the investigation is enormous, as this is the largest wildfire recorded so far this summer. Starting near Agios Vasileios in Boeotia, the fire spread at tremendous speed and crossed into West Attica, leaving a vast scorched landscape in its wake. According to data gathered so far, more than 110,000 stremmata (approximately 27,000 acres) have been affected.
The DAEE has made clear, however, that the investigation is still in full progress and that every possible scenario remains under examination. The findings from the on-site inspection will be assessed alongside technical data, material evidence, and all other information collected to date. The investigators’ goal is to clarify — with rigorous technical and scientific documentation — every aspect of the case, and to determine the exact mechanism that triggered a fire which, within a very short period of time, grew to catastrophic proportions.
