20 Fire Arrests in Yunanistan in the First 5 Days of Temmuz

The Yunanistan İtfaiye Teşkilatı announced that a total of 20 people were arrested on charges of starting fires due to negligence in the first five days of Temmuz 2026. This figure corresponds to 12.2% of the total 164 arrests recorded since the beginning of the year. In other words, more than one out of every ten arrests made since 1 Ocak occurred solely within the first five days of Temmuz. Fire officials emphasized that these arrests demonstrate how vital the inspections carried out during the most critical fire season of the year are. In this context, a total administrative fine of 55.005,99 euro was imposed on those who violated the rules.

A large portion of the arrests involves fires that occurred as a result of careless use of spark-generating tools and machines. Actions such as the use of grinding wheels, agricultural machinery, and the burning of plant waste were carried out despite being strictly prohibited during periods carrying high fire risk. Authorities stated that sparks generated through such negligence can jump to forested areas extremely quickly under dry and hot weather conditions. Many of the fires started as a result of hot works (cutting, welding, etc.), explicitly prohibited by law, being carried out under improper conditions. Fire department units stated that they are combating this with a zero-tolerance policy, making no distinction between negligence and intent.

Among the regions where the incidents occurred, Halkidiki, Farkadona town of Trikala, Atalanti, Selanik, Goumenissa, Grevena, Kilkis, and Oraiokastro stand out. In these regions, excavation and investigation teams swiftly identified the perpetrators of the incidents and immediately initiated arrest procedures. For example, in Atalanti, affiliated with the Fthiotida region, a fire that broke out during the use of a combine harvester spread rapidly to a forested area, causing the destruction of a large amount of green space. In other regions, similarly, the use of spark-generating tools or the illegal burning of plant residues was determined to be the main cause of the fires. These events proved once again how much risk rural and agricultural activities carry during the fire season.

The major fire that occurred on the evening of 4 Temmuz in Oraiokastro, Selanik, stood out as one of the incidents that caused the most damage. Starting during the nighttime hours and spreading rapidly, this fire required a large number of fire teams to be dispatched to the area, leading to the complete burning of many businesses and an increase in material damages. Due to the magnitude of the incident, a special fire investigation unit was dispatched to the area from Atina. As a result of the teams' brief but detailed investigations, the suspect who started the fire was identified, and a 76-year-old Yunan citizen was arrested and taken into custody. This incident demonstrated the determination and rapid response capability of the Yangın Soruşturma Daire Başkanlığı teams in solving incidents.

The Yunan İtfaiyesi announced that during the driest and hottest periods of the year, vegetation becomes highly volatile; therefore, even the slightest carelessness can turn into a massive disaster. Meteorological conditions, such as high temperatures and occasionally severe winds, require authorities to remain on constant alert. Authorities stated that they will not allow this situation, exhibiting an extremely determined stance against all fire-related acts, whether intentional or stemming from negligence. It was emphasized that strict inspections and field patrols will continue with increased intensity in the coming days. The Fire Department added that if any rule violation is detected, administrative and criminal sanctions will be applied without delay, and the necessary legal process will be initiated immediately.