The figure has fallen since the Greek government toughened penalties
More than 280 people have been arrested in Greece this year so far over fire-related offences, the fire service said Wednesday, as the country remains on high alert for new blazes.
The figure is down on the previous two years, after the Greek government toughened penalties against those found guilty of starting fires in recent years.
In total, 281 arrests were made since January – including 252 for fires caused by negligence and 29 for deliberate arson, fire service spokesman Yannis Atropios said on public television channel ERT.
Between January and August 2024, 360 arrests related to fires took place, though only 12 people were placed in pre-trial detention, according to the Greek fire service.
