13 people arrested over fireworks incident on yacht – News Karnataka

Thirteen people have been arrested in connection with a forest fire on the Greek island of Hydra, believed to have been sparked by fireworks from a yacht. The fire started on Friday and devastated the island’s only pine forest. Although the fire is now under control, firefighters have faced enormous challenges in reaching the area by sea and using helicopters to extinguish the fire, as there are no roads to the beach.

Hydra, located southwest of Athens in the Saronic Gulf, is a popular destination for international tourists and yacht travelers.

According to a Facebook post by the Hydra firefighting team, the latest inferno was “triggered by fireworks fired from a boat, which destroyed the island’s only pine forest in a remote area inaccessible by road.”

Greek authorities confirmed the arrest of 13 Greek nationals in connection with the incident and said they were due to appear before the public prosecutor on Sunday. They were arrested at a marina in the Athens area.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage in Greece, which has been exacerbated by several forest fires during the first heatwave of the year. With dry conditions, strong winds and high temperatures expected to continue throughout the summer, Greece remains at high risk of fires, with 64 forest and bush fires reported in the last 24 hours alone.

Hydra Mayor Giorgos Koukoudakis condemned the reckless actions that caused the fire, saying: “We are outraged that individuals thoughtlessly set off fireworks in a pine forest.”

In a tragic incident related to firefighting operations, a 55-year-old volunteer firefighter succumbed to injuries sustained while fighting a fire in the Ilia region of the Peloponnese peninsula.

Scientists warn that human-caused fossil fuel emissions are extending the duration and intensity of heatwaves around the world.

Arson remains a pressing problem. In August last year alone, 79 people were arrested in Greece for arson. In response, Greece last year toughened penalties for intentional and negligent arson. Fines of up to 200,000 euros and possible prison sentences of up to 20 years were introduced.