A 52-year-old man has been arrested in central Greece on suspicion of causing a wildfire through negligence after flames broke out during metalworking operations carried out without the required fire safety precautions.
According to the Fire Service, the blaze started in low vegetation near a forested area in the community of Petrochori, in the Trikala regional unit. Investigators said the fire was triggered while hot works, including the use of an angle grinder and welding equipment, were being carried out to construct railings at a local war memorial.
Authorities said the necessary fire prevention measures had not been implemented, allowing the fire to spread to nearby land and creating a risk of reaching adjacent woodland.
Following the preliminary investigation, the 52-year-old suspect was identified and arrested under Greece’s expedited legal procedure for offences committed in the act. He faces charges of negligent arson creating a potential public danger and has been ordered into custody pending his appearance before a court in Trikala.
In addition to the criminal charges, authorities imposed an administrative fine of €1,546 for failing to comply with fire safety regulations governing outdoor work.
The Fire Service said the investigation into the cause of the blaze is continuing.
Hundreds of fines and arrests in 2026
The incident comes as Greek authorities continue to intensify enforcement during the wildfire season.
According to official figures, from January 1 to July 7, 2026, authorities imposed 537 administrative fines totalling €686,027.40. During the same period, 171 people were arrested under expedited procedures, with 158 cases involving negligence and 13 involving suspected intentional arson.
The Fire Service reiterated that most wildfires are caused by human negligence and urged the public to strictly follow fire safety regulations, particularly when carrying out outdoor work that may generate sparks or ignite dry vegetation.
