More than two wildfires a day recorded in Rodopi since May; Three arrested

Between May 1 and July 31, firefighters responded to 199 wildfire incidents, including 47 in May, 72 in June, and 80 in July.

Authorities said all fires were contained quickly and effectively, preventing them from developing into major incidents. Rapid response by firefighting crews was cited as the key factor behind the successful containment efforts.

In five of the incidents, aerial firefighting aircraft and ground teams from the 7th Special Forest Operations Unit (EMODE) were deployed to assist in extinguishing the blazes. Overall, approximately 265 stremmas (about 26.5 hectares) of mainly agricultural and grassland areas were burned.

The investigative division of the Rodopi Fire Services Administration has brought three individuals before the courts on charges related to causing wildfires. One suspect was charged with intentional arson and has been placed in pre-trial detention, while two others were convicted of negligent arson and received suspended prison sentences.

Fire authorities also identified 37 property owners who failed to clear vegetation from their land as required under fire prevention regulations. Their cases have been referred to the relevant municipalities for mandatory cleanup and the imposition of administrative fines.

Meanwhile, as Greece continues to battle hundreds of wildfire outbreaks nationwide, the Rodopi Fire Services Administration has deployed a water tanker and a two-person crew to Central Macedonia to reinforce firefighting operations. The crew is rotated every 24 hours as part of the Fire Service's national emergency response plan.

Source:ERT News