43-year-old arrested over largest rural-forest fire of the year in Phthiotis
A 43-year-old was arrested in flagrante delicto for negligent fire in Kalapódi, Phthiotis. The fire broke out during agricultural work involving a combine harvester.
Arrest over Kalapódi fire — ignited by combine harvester
According to the Newspaper of Editors, the Fire Service authorities proceeded with the arrest of a 43-year-old man for causing fire through negligence in connection with the fire that broke out in a rural-forest area in Kalapódi in the municipality of Lokroi, Phthiotis.
From the methodical investigation of the incident, it was established that the fire was caused during agricultural work with a combine harvester. Following preliminary investigation, the 43-year-old was referred to summary proceedings.
Investigative officers from the Arson Crime Investigation Unit (ΑΚΑΕΕ) in Phthiotis, in cooperation with staff from the Arson Crime Combat Directorate (ΔΑΕΕ), immediately went to the area and carried out coordinated investigative actions. The Fire Service notes that this particular fire constitutes the largest rural-forest fire that has broken out in the country during this year's fire prevention season.
From 1 January to today, a total of 508 administrative fines have been imposed, with a combined value of €604,851.37, while 149 arrests have been made through summary proceedings. Of these, 136 — representing 91.28 per cent — concern fires caused by negligence and 13 — representing 8.72 per cent — caused by intent.
The ΔΑΕΕ and the investigative services of the Fire Service remain, as is underlined, in heightened operational readiness, conducting intensive inspections and assigning responsibility where violations are found.
The Fire Service reminds that the overwhelming majority of fires are due to human negligence. "The strict observance of fire safety measures and the avoidance of work that may cause sparks or ignition are a basic prerequisite for the protection of human life, the natural environment and the property of citizens," the Fire Service emphasises.
Source: Efimerida ton Syntakton