A 16-year-old was arrested on suspicion of causing a wildfire in the Akrotiri area of Chania (Hania), Crete, after a blaze broke out Tuesday. The fire was quickly contained by the fire brigade before it could spread.
The incident occurred as the country was experiencing high wildfire conditions, with Category 4, or very high, fire risk declared in several regions and authorities urging residents and visitors to avoid any activity that could spark a blaze. The country has also maintained heightened operational readiness, including aerial surveillance and patrols by firefighting, police and military forces.
According to local media reports, the case is the fourth this wildfire season in the Chania area involving a minor allegedly responsible for starting a fire. The youngest minor reportedly involved in a similar case was 10.
In the latest incident, the fire did not have time to spread because of the immediate response by authorities. A criminal case was subsequently filed and the teenager was referred to the competent authorities.
The case could carry more serious legal implications given the very high fire risk in effect in the area at the time, according to the reports, despite the suspect’s age.
The explanations reportedly given by minors involved in similar incidents have also drawn attention.
“Sometimes they say they were playing with matches and wanted to see how something catches fire,” according to the local report, which cited accounts from Fire Brigade personnel who have dealt with such cases.
