Μake us preferred on Google A wildfire that broke out near Kritsa, in the municipality of Agios Nikolaos in eastern Crete, was brought fully under control after firefighters prevented it from spreading further.
The fire began shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday in a forested area near the settlement. Firefighters responded immediately, containing the blaze and preventing its expansion.
Nine water trucks and 40 firefighters remain at the scene as a precaution against possible flare-ups.
35-year-old faces questioning over Sellia fire
Meanwhile, a 35-year-old Israeli man is due to appear Monday before an investigative judge in Rethymno over a major wildfire that broke out Friday in Sellia, in the municipality of Agios Vasileios.
The man has been charged with arson with possible intent.
He was taken before the Rethymno prosecutor on Sunday and was granted time to prepare his defense before appearing before the investigative judge. He was arrested under Greece’s flagrante delicto procedure and remains in custody pending his testimony.
Fire reportedly started from barbecue
According to the findings of the investigation so far, the fire is believed to have started from a barbecue the 35-year-old had lit at the villa where he was staying with other Israeli visitors.
Strong winds and difficult weather conditions reportedly helped the flames spread rapidly, causing significant damage and prompting a major response by the Fire Service.
As the fire developed, authorities ordered the precautionary evacuation of the settlements of Foteinari and Souda. Residents and visitors were evacuated as a safety measure.
