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Hind Al Soulia - Riyadh - LONDON — A 35-year-old Israeli tourist was arrested in Crete on Saturday on suspicion of starting a wildfire by lighting a barbecue at a rented villa despite being warned that outdoor grilling was prohibited because of high fire risk.
The fire broke out at about 7:10 p.m. on Friday near the village of Sellia, close to the resort town of Plakias in southern Rethymno, according to Greek media reports.
Findings from the Greek Fire Service's arson investigation unit reportedly indicated that the fire began in the yard of the vacation villa where a group of Israeli tourists was staying. They are suspected of lighting a barbecue despite strong winds and serious fire warnings.
The villa owner reportedly warned the guests when they arrived that using a barbecue was completely prohibitedin the area due to the high fire risk. He said he also provided the instructions in writing.
The tourists allegedly went ahead with using the grill. Sparks carried by strong winds are believed to have ignited dry vegetation, causing the fire to spread rapidly.
More than 60 firefighters were deployed to tackle the blaze, supported by three specialist wildfire units, dozens of vehicles, helicopters, water tankers, and volunteers.
Greece’s 112 emergency service issued alerts to residents and ordered the precautionary evacuation of the communities of Fotinari and Souda. Firefighters brought the blaze under control after about four hours, according to the reports.
The incident comes during a particularly severe wildfire season in Greece, with authorities enforcing strict measures to prevent fires.
About two weeks earlier, a major wildfire in the Rethymno area destroyed almost 4,500 ha over two days, according to data from the National Observatory of Athens.
More than 8,000 residents and tourists were evacuated during that fire, which was tackled by 224 firefighters, 53 fire engines, 11 specialist units, and firefighting aircraft and helicopters.
Two firefighters were killed during the operation. Winds reached speeds of up to 88 kph, with gusts exceeding 100 kph, making aerial firefighting particularly difficult.
Greek authorities have since adopted a zero-tolerance approach to breaches of fire prevention regulations. On days when high fire risk is declared, barbecues, the burning of cut vegetation, and other activities capable of producing sparks are prohibited. Violations can result in heavy fines and criminal proceedings.
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