52-year-old arrested for negligent fire in Petrochori, Trikala
A 52-year-old Greek national was arrested in Trikala after a fire was caused during hot work carried out without fire protection measures.
Fire in forested area — 52-year-old before the courts
The Fire Service arrested in flagrante delicto a 52-year-old Greek national charged with causing a fire through negligence in low vegetation adjacent to a forested area in the Community of Petrochori in the Municipality of Pyli, Trikala. According to Naftemporiki, the fire broke out on Tuesday.
From the preliminary investigation details, it emerged that the 52-year-old was carrying out hot work — using an electric wheel and an electric welding device — for the construction of railings at a memorial to the fallen in the area, without the requisite preventative fire protection measures being implemented. The fire spread to an adjacent area, creating a risk to the surrounding forested vegetation.
The identification was carried out by officers of the Fire Service's Arson Crime Prevention Directorate (ΔΑΕΕ). The 52-year-old is charged with negligent arson from which a common danger could have resulted, and on the orders of the competent prosecutorial authority he was remanded in custody to be brought before the Misdemeanour Court of Trikala.
In addition, he was issued with an administrative fine of €1,546 for complete absence of the prescribed preventative and safety measures during the carrying out of outdoor work.
Intensive inspections across the country
From 1 January to 7 July 2026, the Fire Service has imposed a total of 537 administrative fines, totalling €686,027.40, whilst 171 arrests have been made under the flagrante delicto procedure. Of these, 158 (92.40 per cent) concern cases of negligence and 13 (7.60 per cent) concern cases of intent.
The ΔΑΕΕ and the investigative services of the Fire Service state that they remain on heightened operational readiness and proceed immediately to attribute responsibility where violations are identified. The Fire Service reminds that the overwhelming majority of fires are due to human negligence and that the observance of fire safety measures constitutes a basic prerequisite for the protection of lives, property and the natural environment.
Source: Naftemporiki