Investigators believe a faulty power cable may have sparked Greece’s deadliest wildfire of the year, sources close to the investigation revealed.
The fire, which broke out on August 11 near the town of Varnavas, 35 kilometres (22 miles) from Athens, quickly spread, devastating 10,000 hectares—an area roughly the size of Paris—and killing one woman.
The blaze swiftly reached Athens’ northern suburbs, some of which had never experienced a wildfire before. Authorities have questioned residents of Varnavas as part of the ongoing investigation. A 76-year-old local reported a loose power cable attached to a wooden electricity pole near his home, suggesting it could have triggered the fire.
This scenario is currently the main focus of the investigation, which is expected to conclude in the coming months. While authorities are also considering arson, fire brigade officials have identified the area near the electricity pole as the likely origin of the blaze.
Wildfires are a common occurrence in Greece, often caused by arson, electrical faults, or natural causes. The country has seen over 8,000 forest fires in 2023 alone, a risk exacerbated by climate change, which has brought hotter temperatures and drier conditions.
Though the Greek power network operator, HEDNO, reported no signs of a malfunction, engineers have been deployed to investigate further. Milder winds have since calmed the fire, but officials warn of potential flare-ups as winds are expected to strengthen again.
This latest fire erupted during a high-risk period marked by extreme heat and gale-force winds, as Greece experiences its hottest summer on record following a warm winter with little rainfall.
(Source: Reuters)