By V.E.K.Madhushani, Jadetimes News
Luxury Celebration Turns Disastrous as Fireworks Trigger Wildfire
Thirteen individuals have been arrested following a forest fire on the Greek island of Hydra, which authorities allege was ignited by fireworks launched from a yacht. The blaze on Friday tore through the island's only pine forest, a well known tourist destination south of Athens.
Officials reported on social media that the fire has now been brought under control, though the effort was challenging. Due to the lack of roads to the beach, firefighters had to access the area by sea, while helicopters dropped water from above.
On Saturday, the Greek fire service announced that all 13 detainees are Greek citizens who will appear before prosecutors on Sunday. The official statement did not reference the yacht.
The incident has sparked outrage in Greece, already struggling with several wildfires and its first heatwave of the year. Hydra's mayor, Giorgos Koukoudakis, expressed indignation over the reckless use of fireworks in a pine forest during an interview with Greek broadcaster ERT.
Social media users also condemned the incident, with one comment stating, "Rich people with more money than brains." Greece has been on high alert for wildfires since Tuesday, with authorities preparing for a challenging summer due to continuing dry conditions, strong winds, and high temperatures.
Tragically, a 55 year old volunteer firefighter died on Friday from injuries sustained while battling a fire in the southern region of Ilia on the Peloponnese peninsula.
Summer wildfires are common in Greece, with scientists linking the increasing frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events, including heatwaves, to climate change. The country also faces issues with arson, with at least 79 individuals arrested last August over deadly wildfires.
In response, Greece has implemented stricter arson laws this year, with offenders facing up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to €200,000 ($213,850).