Two Men in Pre-Trial Detention After Forest Fire West of Athens

The seaside resort of Porto Germeno on the Gulf of Corinth was particularly affected. More than 120 buildings were damaged there. Residents and tourists had to flee from the flames, while firefighters from several regions of Greece were deployed.

Extent of the Destruction

Authorities had issued a high forest fire danger warning for the region in the days before the fire. Persistent strong winds further fueled the flames and contributed to the fire spreading quickly across large areas. According to weather services, the risk of further fires in central Greece remains high.

The pre-trial detention of the two suspects was ordered by a judge. This is intended to ensure that the men remain available for the ongoing investigation. Details about their identities and any specific charges have not been made public by the authorities for the time being.

Investigations and Grounds for Detention

Parallel to the investigation, estimates of the damage and the costs of reconstruction are underway. The affected region is popular with tourists, which is why, in addition to material damage, economic losses are also feared for the local tourism industry.

The incident underscores the growing danger of forest fires in Greece during the hot summer months. In recent years, devastating fires have repeatedly ravaged entire stretches of countryside and forced residents to flee.

Ongoing Forest Fire Danger

The public prosecutor's office announced that the case would be investigated swiftly. This will also include examining whether there is evidence of negligence or violations of safety regulations in the handling of power lines in forested areas. The results could have consequences for the future monitoring of such high-risk areas.

Greek weather services expect continued dryness and strong winds in several regions of the country in the coming days. As a result, the forest fire danger remains elevated across large parts of Greece.