The 13 people accused of starting a fire on the island of Hydra after shooting fireworks from a yacht have appeared before the judge. Severe fines in Greece for those who cause fires
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Thirteen people have been arrested on suspicion of starting a forest fire from a yacht off the Greek island of Hydra with fireworks. The defendants appeared in court in Athens on Sunday.
According to what has been reconstructed, the group tried to put out the fire after shooting fireworks from the boat. After failing to put out the fire they fled the scene. The burned area was the only pine forest on the island.
Mayor Giorgos Koukoudakis announced that his community intends to press charges against the suspects involved in the incident. He further emphasized the importance of expanding fire zones and developing access roads to improve firefighting efforts in the future.
Fines needed in Greece for those who set fires
In 2023, Greece significantly increased penalties for arson. The new laws provide for fines of up to 200 thousand euros and potential prison sentences of up to 20 years.
The cause of the fire has sparked outrage in Greece, already dealing with numerous wild fires and the first heat wave of the year.
A 55-year-old volunteer firefighter died from injuries sustained while fighting a fire in the southern Elis region of the Peloponnese peninsula on Friday.
