Greek authorities have arrested two minors in connection with a fire that broke out in Eretria, on the island of Evia, after investigators concluded that the blaze was caused by firecrackers.
The arrests were carried out by the Fire Service’s arson investigation unit in Chalkida as part of an expedited legal procedure.
How the fire started
The fire broke out at 7:56 p.m. on Sunday. According to investigators, the two boys, aged 12 and 13, threw firecrackers that ignited vegetation on a roadside embankment.
Firefighters responded immediately to contain the blaze, after which a preliminary investigation was launched by the specialized arson crimes unit.
Following the investigation, both minors were arrested under Greece’s fast-track arrest procedure.
Authorities also arrested their parents, aged 35 and 42, on charges of neglecting the supervision of minors.
Increased enforcement against fire-related offences
The Fire Service said enforcement efforts against fire-related offences have intensified during the current wildfire season.
According to official figures, from January 1 to July 6, 2026, authorities imposed 527 administrative fines totaling €665,385.48. During the same period, 167 arrests were made under Greece’s fast-track legal procedure. Of those, 154 arrests (92.22%) involved fires caused by negligence, while 13 arrests (7.78%) concerned alleged intentional fire-setting.
The Fire Service said its arson investigation directorate and investigative teams remain on heightened operational alert, carrying out extensive inspections and taking immediate action whenever violations are identified.
Fire Service issues safety reminder
The Fire Service stressed that the overwhelming majority of wildfires continue to result from human negligence.
Authorities urged the public to strictly follow fire safety regulations and avoid any activity that could generate sparks or ignite vegetation, emphasizing that prevention is essential to protecting lives, property and the natural environment.
