A forest fire ignited on Friday on the island of Hydra in Greece after fireworks were launched from a yacht, according to local firefighting authorities.
The blaze, which has since been brought under control, ravaged the island’s sole pine forest, requiring the intervention of a helicopter to extinguish the flames, the authorities reported on their Facebook page.
The incident has stirred anger across Greece, already grappling with multiple wildfires amid the onset of the year’s first heatwave.
“We are appalled that individuals would recklessly set off fireworks in a pine forest,” remarked Giorgos Koukoudakis, the mayor of Hydra, in an interview with Greek broadcaster ERT. He also stated that legal action would be pursued against those responsible aboard the yacht.
Greece has remained on high alert for wildfires since earlier in the week, with authorities preparing for a challenging summer characterized by dry conditions, strong winds, and soaring temperatures.
Tragically, a 55-year-old volunteer firefighter lost his life on Friday due to injuries sustained while combating a separate fire in the southern region of Ilia on the Peloponnese peninsula.
Summer wildfires are a recurring phenomenon in Greece, exacerbated by climate change, which scientists link to increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves.
The country also faces a persistent issue of arson, with 79 individuals arrested last August alone in connection with deadly wildfires. In response, Greece has implemented stricter laws against arsonists earlier this year, carrying penalties of up to 20 years in prison and fines reaching €200,000 ($213,850; £169,000).
