A forest fire broke out on the island of Hydra south of Athens on Friday. Greek authorities say it was ignited by fireworks launched from a nearby luxury yacht, writes the BBC. The police have arrested 13 people. The fire is said to have burned through the only pine forest on Hydra. It should now be under control. Extinguishing it was difficult for the fire crews because there was no road nearby. They had to be transported by boat, while fire helicopters dropped water on the fire from the air. Shut up Greece has already struggled with several forest fires this summer as a result of dry conditions, high temperatures and strong winds. A forest fire is raging in Latas in the south of Greece on Saturday. Photo: Giorgos Moutafis / Reuters/NTB The firework fire has therefore enraged many Greeks, according to the BBC. – We are outraged that someone can so irresponsibly shoot fireworks into a pine forest, said the island’s mayor Giorgos Koukudakis to the Greek broadcaster ERT. Several people have longed for the fire on social media as well. Firefighter dies On Friday, a 55-year-old volunteer firefighter died from injuries he sustained while fighting a forest fire on the Peloponnese peninsula in southern Greece. Last year, Greece had one of its worst forest fire seasons in years, claiming around 20 lives. Even then, the Greeks struggled with several of the forest fires being ignited. A firefighter and a local resident try to control a forest fire in Kitsi, south of Athens. Photo: SOTIRIS DIMITROPOULOS / AFP/NTB In August last year, 79 people were arrested for causing forest fires. The authorities have tightened the penalties for starting fires. Now you risk up to 20 years in prison and over NOK 2 million in fines. It is expected that heat waves and forest fires will characterize the summer in southern Europe this year as well. Published 23.06.2024, at 08.45 Updated 23.06.2024, at 09.57
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Fireworks from a luxury yacht started a forest fire – news Urix – Foreign news and documentaries
