Greek authorities have detained a mayor along with two other suspects on charges of arson related to a major wildfire that destroyed land near Athens last week. The fire is believed to have started from electrical sparks on cables at a wind farm.
Yannis Apostolou, mayor of Stylida—a town about 140 kilometers northwest of Athens—and owner of an electrical installation company linked to the wind farm, was arrested along with two others. They face charges of arson and damaging public utilities. If found guilty, all three could face prison sentences exceeding 10 years.
The Greek news agency ANA reported that authorities have ordered the suspension of operations at the wind farm, which is located on the border between the Boeotia and Attica regions.
Investigators believe the fire started from sparks on medium-voltage overhead power lines, then strong gusts of wind reaching speeds up to 130 kilometers per hour spread the flames along the southern slopes of Mount Kithairon, eventually reaching a town about 40 kilometers from Athens.
The wind farm owner is also accused of failing to properly clear vegetation and weeds around the area, which may have provided abundant fuel for the wildfire. ANA reported that a fire had previously occurred on the same electrical line on 27 June.
Reports state that since the wind farm was installed more than 10 years ago, local residents have attempted legal action to oppose its construction but were unsuccessful.
The wildfire began on 31 July near the coastal village of Agios Vasileios at the mountain base, roughly 85 kilometers northwest of Athens, before quickly spreading amid strong winds.
The recent wildfire caused heavy damage to forests, shrubs, olive groves, and destroyed over 120 buildings and homes in the seaside resort town of Porto Germeno, located along the Gulf of Corinth.
Since late July, Greece has experienced dozens of wildfires resulting in five deaths, including three firefighters.
Additionally, two helicopter crew members died during firefighting operations after their aircraft collided mid-air with another plane.
Scientists have long warned that human-driven climate change is causing longer, hotter dry seasons that are more frequent and severe, turning landscapes into prime fuel and increasing the risk of rapidly spreading wildfires.
. Source:channelnewsasia
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