Investigative officers from the Greek Fire Service have arrested a 49-year-old man for allegedly causing a brush fire through negligence while using welding equipment on the island of Salamina.
The fire broke out at around 12:30 pm in the village of Aianteio after sparks generated during hot welding work ignited surrounding dry grass. Flames swept through low vegetation, burning an estimated area of approximately 100 square metres before being contained.
Arson investigation officers from the Piraeus branch of the Directorate for Dealing with Arson Crimes, known as DAEE, carried out the arrest under in-flagrante procedures. Officials also imposed an administrative fine of 2,594.23 euros on the suspect, who will be brought before the public prosecutor on Monday, August 24, 2026.
Fire safety checks and warnings
Salamina is the largest island in the Saronic Gulf, situated off the coast of Piraeus near Athens. Greek authorities maintain strict fire safety protocols across the island and surrounding coastal areas during summer, when dry vegetation and warm winds significantly increase wildfire hazards.
The Fire Service emphasized that its specialized arson division and investigative units remain in a state of heightened operational readiness. Officers are conducting intensive inspections across the region and moving quickly to assign legal responsibility wherever safety violations are uncovered.
Fire officials reminded the public that human negligence continues to cause the vast majority of wildfires in Greece. Compliance with fire prevention regulations and avoiding activities that produce sparks or ignition are essential to protect human lives, the environment and private property, according to the agency.
With weather conditions worsening due to rising temperatures and strong winds, the arson division issued a strong recommendation for citizens to exercise extreme caution. Authorities urged residents to check their local risk rating daily on the Fire Risk Prediction Map published by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection and follow all official directions.
Arson arrests and financial penalties
The arrest in Salamina comes amid a broader nationwide crackdown on fire safety non-compliance. Official Fire Service data shows that enforcement teams levied 737 administrative fines between January 1 and August 23, 2026, totaling 1,198,080.68 euros.
Over that same period, investigative officers made 310 arrests under in-flagrante legal procedures for fire-related offenses across Greece.
Statistical records confirm that accidental outbreaks account for nearly nine out of ten cases. Of the 310 total detentions, 276 arrests, representing 89.03 percent, were linked to negligence, while 34 arrests, or 10.97 percent, involved intentional arson.
