The investigative services of the Fire Department, as part of the summary proceedings, for fires caused by negligence that broke out on June 13 and 14, 2026 in areas of the Regional Units of Aetolia-Acarnania, Thessaloniki, Kilkis, and Trikala.

As reported by the Fire Department, the fires were caused during agricultural work, hot metal cutting operations, the use of agricultural machinery, and the burning of grass without taking the required fire safety measures.

Specifically :

• On June 13, 2026, a fire broke out in an agricultural area in the Touba Mega Dendrou locality of the Municipality of Therma, Aetolia-Acarnania, which was caused during the use of a farm tractor and spread to adjacent agricultural and forest land. A man of Greek nationality was arrested in connection with the incident and was issued an administrative fine of 976.56 euros.

• On June 13, 2026 a fire broke out in a rural area of Triadio, Thessaloniki, caused by sparks during hot metal cutting work with a grinder. The fire spread from dry grass to a field of unharvested grain. A foreign national was arrested and fined 1,927.50 euros.

• On June 13, 2026 a fire broke out from a combine harvester during harvesting operations in a rural area of the Soultogianneikon farm in the Municipality of Kilkis. The fire spread to an adjacent agricultural area. A man of Greek nationality was arrested in connection with the incident under the flagrante delicto procedure.

• On June 13, 2026, a fire broke out in Xylopariko, Municipality of Trikala, when sparks were generated by the friction of metal blades against stones while cutting grass with a farm tractor, resulting in the ignition of dry grass. The fire burned an area of 1,188 square meters, and a man of Greek nationality was arrested under the flagrante delicto procedure.

• On June 14, 2026, at 1:11 p.m. , a wildfire broke out in the area of Kato Elati in the Municipality of Trikala , while grass was being burned in a pile without the required fire safety measures being taken. A Greek national was arrested in connection with the incident and was fined 1,000 euros.

According to the Fire Department, following the completion of the investigation, the perpetrators were arrested under the flagrante delicto procedure, following the prescribed prosecutorial actions, while the corresponding administrative fines were also imposed where applicable.

It should be noted that from January 1 through June 14, 2026, a total of 423 administrative fines totaling 424,281.45 euros, while 88 arrests have been made for arson and violations of fire safety regulations.

As emphasized by the Fire Department, the Arson Crimes Investigation Directorate (DAEE) and the investigative services of the Fire Department remain on high operational alert, conducting intensive inspections and immediately holding those responsible to account where violations are found.

Finally, the Fire Department reminds the public that the overwhelming majority of fires continue to be caused by human negligence. As emphasized by the Fire Department, adhering to fire safety measures and avoiding activities that may cause sparks or ignition are essential for protecting human life, the natural environment, and citizens’ property.