Fireworks Ignite Forest Fire on Greek Island of Hydra
On the night of June 22, 2024, a forest fire broke out on the Greek tourist island of Hydra, near Athens. The fire was ignited by fireworks set off from a yacht, despite repeated warnings about the extreme fire danger. The flames quickly engulfed the only pine forest on the island, a location difficult to access and devoid of roads.
Arrests and Legal Actions
Greek authorities have arrested 13 crew members of the yacht on suspicion of arson. The incident has sparked widespread anger, both on social networks and among local officials. Hydra's Mayor, Giorgos Koukoudakis, expressed his outrage in a television interview and confirmed that the municipality would file a civil suit against those responsible once the preliminary investigation is completed. Greece recently increased the penalties for arson, with fines reaching up to 200,000 euros and prison sentences of up to twenty years for negligent arson.
Broader Impact and High Fire Risk
The fire on Hydra is part of a larger issue, with 64 forest and bush fires reported across Greece within a 24-hour period. The situation remains particularly problematic in regions like the Peloponnese and the Cycladic island of Andros, where four villages were evacuated due to raging fires. The Greek civil protection agency has called for extreme vigilance as the risk of fire remains 'very high,' exacerbated by strong winds and high temperatures that have reached over 44 degrees Celsius. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), rising temperatures due to human-caused fossil fuel emissions are lengthening the fire season and increasing the area burned.
- The fire on Hydra was quickly brought under control and no longer poses a threat to the forest. However, the incident has highlighted the ongoing challenges Greece faces with forest fires, particularly during the summer months.
- In addition to the fire on Hydra, a separate fire on the Cycladic island of Andros led to the evacuation of four villages. The fire service mobilized two water bombers and six helicopters to combat the blaze, with reinforcements from Athens expected to arrive in the evening.
- Greece has been preparing for a challenging summer, given the extreme heat and high winds that have already fueled numerous fires. The country experienced its first heatwave of the season last week, with temperatures locally exceeding 44 degrees Celsius. The previous year saw devastating fires and a two-week heatwave of over 40 degrees Celsius, marking one of the hottest winters in Greece's history.
