A fire that broke out in a wooded park in the northern Athens suburb of Filothei on Thursday may have been sparked by beekeepers using smokers on their hives, according to officials investigating the blaze.
Witnesses told Fire Service investigators they saw at least two people tending a cluster of beehives in Veikou Grove shortly before the fire began. Some witnesses reportedly said they saw the individuals leave the area after the blaze broke out.
The fire erupted in low vegetation near the intersection of Botsari and Metaxa streets, close to a residential area, prompting a large emergency response.
Photographs from the scene showed several wooden beehives in the burned area.
Firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control before it could spread further. No injuries or damage to nearby homes were reported.
