An 80-year-old man was arrested for deliberately starting a fire in the Dipotamos area of the Nestos municipality in Kavala, northeastern Greece, on Sunday, Aug. 16.
According to the investigation, the man used an open flame to set fire to dry grass at around 7:25 p.m.
Investigators from the Kavala Arson Crimes Investigation Unit quickly responded to the incident and arrested the 80-year-old under Greece’s expedited arrest procedure for intentional arson.
The Fire Service said the suspect confessed to the act. He is being held and is due to appear before the competent prosecutor on Monday.
Arson arrests in 2026
According to Fire Service data, from Jan. 1 through Aug. 16, 2026, authorities have issued a total of 722 administrative fines worth €1,152,891.95.
During the same period, 302 people have been arrested under the expedited arrest procedure in connection with fires. Of those, 271 arrests, or 89.74%, involved fires caused by negligence, while 31, or 10.26%, involved intentional acts.
The Directorate for Combating Arson Crimes and its Arson Crimes Investigation Units continue investigations aimed at identifying and arresting people suspected of deliberately setting fires.
The Fire Service said it takes intentional arson extremely seriously because such acts can directly threaten lives, property and the natural environment. Every suspected intentional arson case is investigated thoroughly, and identified suspects are brought before the justice system.
