Fire investigators have arrested the operations manager of the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (DEDDIE) in Rethymno as part of their investigation into the deadly wildfire that devastated parts of Crete.
According to Greek media reports, investigators from the Fire Service’s Arson Crimes Directorate (DAEE), who were deployed to the scene from the first day of the fire, arrested the official responsible for the operation of DEDDIE’s electricity distribution network in the Rethymno regional unit on Thursday.
The arrest followed an investigation into the cause of the wildfire, amid concerns previously raised by Fire Service officials in Crete regarding the electricity network. Similar incidents have been recorded in the past in which fires were allegedly sparked by power lines or transformers.
According to findings cited by the greek newspaper, medium-voltage conductors mounted on two wooden utility poles near the village of Krya Vrysi, about five meters (16 feet) from a provincial road, were subjected to intense oscillation due to strong winds.
Investigators concluded that the movement of the power lines generated sparks, which ignited the wildfire.
As part of the expedited legal procedure applicable to arrests made shortly after an alleged offense, authorities also sought the official responsible for maintenance of the electricity distribution network. However, that individual had not been located at the time of reporting.
