Fire department officials in Greece arrested two men Saturday for allegedly deliberately setting fires, while hundreds of firefighters battled wildfires that have killed at least 21 people in the past week.
One man was arrested on the island of Evia for allegedly setting fire to dried grass in the Karystos area. The fire department said the man confessed to having set four other fires in the area in July and August.
"Some ... arsonists are setting fires, endangering forests, property and above all human lives," Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias said Thursday. "What is happening is not just unacceptable, but despicable and criminal." "You are committing a crime against the country," Kikilias said. "We will find you. You will be held accountable to justice."
Although most new fires were controlled in their early stages, some grew to massive blazes that have consumed homes and vast tracts of forest. The Evros fire, Greece's largest current blaze, was burning for an eighth day Saturday near the city of Alexandroupolis after causing at least 20 deaths. Authorities issued evacuation orders Saturday afternoon for three villages in the area.
More than 290 firefighters, backed by five planes and two helicopters, were battling the Evros blaze. Another 260 firefighters, four planes and three helicopters were tackling the Mount Parnitha fire.
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