Greece Condemns Arsonist Scum as Police Make 79 Arrests over Widespread Wildfires

Greece has strongly condemned the actions of “arsonist scum” after the police apprehended 79 individuals suspected of arson in connection with the devastating wildfires sweeping the country. Vassilis Kikilias, the Civil Protection Minister, revealed that there have been multiple attempts by arsonists to ignite fresh fires on Mount Parnitha, located northwest of Athens. The nation is currently grappling with hundreds of wildfires that have tragically claimed the lives of at least 20 people this week.
The Police and Greek intelligence service EYP are currently investigating the incidents. Pavlos Marinakis, the government spokesperson, stated that out of the 140 arrests made in connection with the wildfires, 79 were related to arson. The wildfires have been raging across Greece, with a particularly large fire front near Alexandroupolis becoming the largest on record in the EU. Fires on Mount Parnitha near Athens have also been threatening a national park. Tragically, the bodies of 19 people believed to be migrants, including children, were found in the Evros region earlier this week. Additionally, a shepherd lost his life in the fires in the Boeotia region on Monday. The country is experiencing its worst summer for wildfires since fire-risk maps were introduced in 2009. Last month, thousands of people had to evacuate due to wildfires on the island of Rhodes and other parts of Greece.
Mr Kikilias said on Wednesday the country was going through the worst summer since fire-risk maps were introduced in 2009.
Just last month, thousands of people were forced to flee fires on the Greek island of Rhodes after wildfires broke out there and in other parts of the country.