Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vasilis Kikilias announced that accidental fire-starting is now a criminal offence, following the arrest of a 30-year-old man for igniting a wildfire in Nigrita, Serres.
In a social media post on Wednesday, Kikilias highlighted the severe risks posed by even small fires under current dry, hot, and windy conditions.
Σήμερα θα οδηγηθεί στον Εισαγγελέα ο 30χρονος που συνελήφθη και ομολόγησε ότι ενώ εκτελούσε γεωργικές εργασίες, προκάλεσε την επικίνδυνη πυρκαγιά που αντιμετωπίσαμε στη Νιγρίτα Σερρών. Επαναλαμβάνω: Ο νόμος έχει αυστηροποιηθεί και η αμέλεια συνιστά εγκληματική ενέργεια. Σήμερα…
— Vassilis Kikilias (@Vkikilias) June 19, 2024
The man, arrested on Tuesday, confessed to causing the fire while performing agricultural work. Kikilias emphasised the stricter laws now in place, stating, "Negligence constitutes a criminal act." The minister reiterated the urgent need for caution as the region faces high temperatures and winds up to 8 Beaufort, which can rapidly turn minor blazes into large-scale fires.
The 30-year-old was apprehended by the arson squad of Central Macedonia and Serres Fire Department investigators and will be presented to the public prosecutor. Kikilias's stern warning aims to prevent further incidents during this vulnerable period.
Read more: Greece wildfires
(Source: Amna)
