Greek authorities have arrested two people, including a local mayor, as part of an investigation into the massive wildfire that burned across the regions of Boeotia and Attica.
According to authorities, the mayor was arrested because his construction company carried out the installation of the overhead electricity transmission network that investigators believe was the source of the fire.
Initial reports had suggested that sparks from wind turbines may have caused the blaze. Investigators now believe the fire originated from the overhead transmission line that carried electricity generated by the wind turbines.
According to findings by Greece’s Arson Crimes Directorate, which is leading the investigation, construction deficiencies were identified in the project. Investigators concluded that the wildfire began after sparks were generated between two conductors on the transmission line.
Authorities also revealed that a second fire had occurred on the same transmission line on June 27, approximately 100 meters (330 feet) from the location where the recent wildfire started. That earlier blaze was quickly brought under control because strong winds were not affecting the area at the time.
In addition to the mayor, one other individual has been arrested. The owner of the wind turbines has also been named in the case file and was sought under Greece’s summary arrest procedure.
Those accused are facing felony charges.
Authorities also said the case file is expected to include the helicopter collision in Psatha that claimed the lives of two people during firefighting operations.
