Wildfires, negligence, and irresponsible behavior continue to threaten Greece, as lessons from past disasters appear not to have been learned in a country scorched by fires every summer.
Many residents continue to ignore official warnings, lighting barbecues in forested areas, while numerous plots of land remain uncleared, filled with dry grass and highly flammable material. On July 26, 2025, a major wildfire in Kryoneri destroyed homes and vast areas of land. Yet, as developments show, the lesson was not learned. One year later, unmaintained plots, rubbish, and dry vegetation still form a dangerous mix that could trigger new tragedies.
In Kryoneri, within the municipality of Dionysos north of Athens, residents speaking to MEGA TV report that this situation has persisted for at least a month. Along the roadside, piles of dry grass, wood, chairs, and various objects have accumulated, creating an extreme fire hazard.
A similar picture is seen across the entire Dionysos municipality. At the foothills of Mount Penteli, abandoned buildings and dozens of uncleared plots—some with vegetation exceeding two meters in height—create a high-risk environment. If a fire were to break out within the urban fabric, it could spread rapidly, endangering property and human lives.
Arson Through Negligence and Arrests
In just 48 hours, 10 arrests were made for fire-related offenses, nine of which were attributed to criminal negligence. In Markopoulo, a 52-year-old man lit a barbecue despite winds reaching 7 Beaufort, while in Keratea in eastern Attica, a 39-year-old was caught carrying out welding work outdoors. Both were arrested and fined €3,000.
Data from the beginning of the year is revealing: 138 arrests for causing fires, with 92% linked to negligence. The total amount of fines imposed reaches €572,000.
When the wildfire risk map reaches level 4 or 5—orange and red—causing destruction even through negligence, without injuries, is now classified as a felony and is punishable by imprisonment.
