Two arrests in Laconia and Achaea for agricultural fires caused by negligence during work , according to the Fire Department.
The relevant Fire Department units were placed on full operational alert, following two separate incidents of rural fires that broke out in Laconia and Achaea, which, according to the findings of the investigations, are attributed to negligence during agricultural and technical work. The investigative teams of the DAEE immediately proceeded with arrests, as part of the flagrante delicto procedure, while administrative fines were also imposed, as it was determined that the required fire safety measures had not been observed. These two incidents add to the ongoing record of similar cases in rural areas, highlighting the increased risk of fires caused by daily outdoor work and the tightening of inspections by the Fire Department.
In the investigation of two rural fires caused by negligence, which occurred in Laconia and Achaea, officers from the Investigative Units for Combating Arson Crimes (A.K.A.E.E.) of the Directorate for Combating Arson Crimes (D.A.E.E.) of the Fire Department.
The information
Specifically, as reported by the Fire Department, in the first case, the Laconia Fire Investigation Unit (A.K.A.E.E.) responded to a wildfire that broke out at the “Ligriva” site in the Kladas Community, Sparta Municipality, Laconia. According to the report, a 77-year-old man caused the fire while performing hot asphalt paving work on agricultural land without taking the required fire safety precautions. The 77-year-old was arrested on the spot and was fined 2,320.30 euros.
In the second case, the Achaea Fire Department proceeded to arrest, under the flagrante delicto procedure, a 51-year-old man for a wildfire that broke out today at 5:48 p.m. in the Saravali area of Achaea. According to the evidence, the 51-year-old caused the fire on agricultural land while working with a tractor and a brush cutter.
It should be noted that, from January 1 through June 25, 2026, a total of 478 administrative fines have been imposed, amounting to 539,892.29 euros, while 122 arrests have been made under the procedure for offenses caught in the act, of which 115 (94.26%) were due to negligence and 7 (5.74%) were intentional.
Increased Operational Readiness
As emphasized by the Fire Department, the Arson Crimes Investigation Directorate (DAEE) and the Fire Department’s investigative units remain on high operational alert, conducting intensive inspections and taking immediate action to hold those responsible accountable whenever violations are detected.
Furthermore, the Fire Department reminds the public that the overwhelming majority of fires continue to be caused by human negligence. “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,” notes the Fire Department.
