52-year-old arrested for negligent fire-setting in Trikala – €1,546 fine imposed
A 52-year-old man was arrested in the Petrochori Community of Trikala after he caused a fire whilst performing hot-work operations without fire-safety measures.
Fire from electric grinder at memorial – one arrested in Pyli Municipality
According to Google News GR — Crime (el), a 52-year-old Greek national was arrested in flagrante delicto in the Petrochori Community of Pyli Municipality in Trikala, accused of negligent fire-setting from which common danger could have resulted.
The fire broke out in low vegetation near a forested area. The Investigative Teams for Combating Fire-Setting Crimes (A.K.A.E.E.) of the Directorate for Combating Fire-Setting Crimes (D.A.E.E.) of the Fire Service investigated its causes and identified the 52-year-old as responsible.
From the preliminary investigation it emerged that the accused was performing hot-work operations — using an electric grinder and an electric welding device — for the construction of railings at the fallen soldiers memorial in the area. The prescribed preventive fire-safety measures had not been taken. The fire spread to an adjoining area, creating a risk of expansion to the adjacent forested vegetation.
On the orders of the competent Prosecutor's Office, the detention of the 52-year-old was ordered, so that he could be brought before the Three-Member Misdemeanour Court of Trikala. At the same time, he was imposed an administrative fine of €1,546 for complete lack of the prescribed safety measures during the performance of work outdoors.
The Fire Service announced that from 1 January to 7 July 2026, a total of 537 administrative fines have been imposed totalling €686,027.40. During the same period, 171 arrests in flagrante delicto were made: 158 (92.40%) concerned cases involving negligence and 13 (7.60%) involved intent.
The D.A.E.E. and the investigative services of the Fire Service remain in heightened operational readiness, conducting intensive inspections. The Fire Service reminds the public that the vast majority of fires are caused by human negligence and that compliance with fire-safety measures is a fundamental requirement for the protection of lives, property and the natural environment.
Source: Google News GR — Crime (el)