A 35-year-old Israeli tourist was arrested in Crete on Saturday on suspicion of causing a wildfire near the village of Sellia, in southern Rethymno, after allegedly lighting a barbecue at a rented vacation villa despite an explicit warning from the property owner that doing so was prohibited.
Israeli tourist arrested in Crete on suspicion of starting wildfire by lighting barbecue
A 35-year-old Israeli tourist was arrested in Crete on Saturday on suspicion of causing a wildfire near the village of Sellia, in southern Rethymno, after allegedly lighting a barbecue at a rented vacation villa despite an explicit warning from the property owner that doing so was prohibited.
According to Greek media reports, the fire broke out at 7:11 p.m. on Friday near Sellia, close to the resort town of Plakias, in the municipality of Agios Vasileios. Findings from the Greek Fire Service's arson investigation unit reportedly indicated that the fire started in the yard of the villa where a group of Israeli tourists was staying.
The villa owner reportedly told investigators he had warned the guests upon arrival that barbecues were completely prohibited in the area due to high fire risk, and that he had also provided those instructions in writing. Sparks carried by the wind allegedly ignited dry vegetation, and the fire spread into surrounding open areas.
More than 60 firefighters, three special wildfire units, dozens of vehicles, firefighting helicopters, water tankers, and volunteers were dispatched to the scene. Greece's national 112 emergency system sent alerts to residents and ordered the precautionary evacuation of the communities of Fotinari and Souda. Firefighters brought the blaze under control after approximately four hours.
The arrest comes during what authorities have described as a particularly severe wildfire season in Greece. Roughly two weeks earlier, a fire in the Rethymno area burned approximately 45,000 dunams within two days, according to data from the National Observatory of Athens. That fire prompted the evacuation of more than 8,000 residents and tourists, required 224 firefighters, 53 fire engines, 11 special units, and aerial assets, and killed two firefighters. Winds during that event reached speeds of up to 88 kilometers per hour, with local gusts exceeding 100 kilometers per hour.
Following that wave of wildfires, Greek authorities adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward violations of fire prevention regulations. On days when a high fire risk is declared, lighting barbecues, burning cut vegetation, or carrying out any activity that could produce sparks is completely prohibited, with violations subject to heavy fines and criminal proceedings.
- The source does not state the names of any other tourists in the group or whether additional individuals face charges.
- The source does not state whether the arrested man has legal representation or has entered a plea.
- The source does not state the total area burned by the fire near Sellia on Friday.
- The source does not state the extent of property or environmental damage caused by the Friday fire.
- The source does not include any response or statement from the arrested tourist or his representatives.
- The source does not specify the precise charges the suspect faces under Greek law beyond suspicion of causing a wildfire.
Read the original at The Jerusalem Post