Authorities have arrested a 45-year-old man in connection with a brush fire that broke out Thursday in Veikou Grove, a wooded park near the northern Athens suburb of Filothei, officials said.
The man was detained Thursday night by the Fire Service’s arson investigation division under Greece’s summary arrest procedure. He was also issued an administrative fine of 3,557.81 euros and is expected to appear before a prosecutor on Friday.
Investigators believe the fire originated from the smoking of beehives located inside the park, according to evidence collected at the scene.
Authorities are also examining witness accounts indicating that at least two people were carrying out work near the hives before the fire broke out. One of them, believed to be the owner of the beehives, was captured in photographs and video footage wearing a white beekeeper’s suit.
Residents reported seeing flames and thick black smoke near the intersection of Botsari and Metaxa streets shortly after noon Thursday. Witnesses said the beekeepers left the area after realizing the fire was spreading.
