In the wake of devastating wildfires wreaking havoc across Greece, authorities have taken a firm stance against arsonists, labeling them "arsonist scum." Police have apprehended 79 individuals suspected of igniting these destructive blazes, with multiple attempts reported on Mount Parnitha, located northwest of Athens.
The nation is grappling with a surge in wildfires, already claiming the lives of at least 20 people this week. Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias delivered a stark message during a televised emergency briefing, stating, "You are committing a crime against the country. Arsonist scum are setting fires that threaten forests, property, and, most importantly, human lives. You will not get away with it; we will find you, you will be held accountable."
Greece has a history of summer wildfires, but climate change is exacerbating the situation, with increasing heatwaves and more flammable landscapes.
Stefan Doerr, Director of the Centre for Wildfire Research at Swansea University, underscores the role of climate change and poor vegetation management, highlighting how arson and similar incidents can swiftly transform into fast-moving wildfires.
The investigations into these incidents are now being jointly conducted by the police and the Greek intelligence service, EYP, as reported by AFP.
According to government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis, out of the 140 arrests made in connection with the wildfires, a significant 79 are linked to arson.
Firefighters from across Greece are engaged in a relentless battle against these deadly blazes.
One particularly large fire that erupted near the port city of Alexandroupolis on Saturday has achieved an unfortunate distinction: it's now the largest wildfire on record in the European Union, a sobering revelation from European Commissioner Janez Lenarcic.
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Athens, Mount Parnitha has witnessed fires encroaching on a forest adjacent to the capital, putting a national park at risk.
In a tragic turn of events earlier this week, the remains of 19 individuals, believed to be migrants and including children, were discovered near the Evros region in northeastern Greece.
Additionally, a shepherd lost his life in the fires in the Boeotia region on Monday.
Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias lamented on Wednesday that Greece is currently enduring its most severe summer in over a decade, as this season's fire-risk maps were introduced in 2009.
Just a month ago, Greece faced another harrowing ordeal when thousands were compelled to evacuate as wildfires erupted not only on the Greek island of Rhodes but also in various other regions of the country.