A 35-year-old Israeli tourist was arrested in Crete on Saturday on suspicion of causing a wildfire after lighting a barbecue at a rented vacation villa despite being explicitly warned against doing so.
He is expected to be brought before a judge in Rethymno on Sunday for a hearing on extending his detention.
According to Greek media reports, the fire broke out at 7:11 p.m. on Friday near the village of Sellia, close to the resort town of Plakias, in the municipality of Agios Vasileios in southern Rethymno.
Findings from the Greek Fire Service's arson investigation unit reportedly indicated that the fire began in the yard of the vacation villa where a group of Israeli tourists was staying. They are suspected of lighting a barbecue despite strong winds and serious fire warnings.
According to the reports, the villa owner warned the guests when they arrived that, due to the high fire risk, using a barbecue was completely prohibited in the area. He said he also provided the instructions in writing.
Despite the warning, the guests allegedly lit the grill. Sparks carried by the wind ignited dry vegetation, and the fire quickly spread into the surrounding open area.
More than 60 firefighters were dispatched to the scene, along with three special wildfire units, dozens of vehicles, firefighting helicopters, water tankers, and volunteers.
Greece's national 112 emergency system sent alerts to residents and ordered the precautionary evacuation of the communities of Fotinari and Souda. Firefighters brought the blaze under control after about four hours.
Some 45,000 dunams burned in the area about two weeks ago
The incident comes amid a particularly severe wildfire season in Greece.
About two weeks ago, one of the summer's most serious fires raged in the Rethymno area. According to data from the National Observatory of Athens, about 45,000 dunams burned within just two days south of Rethymno.
Authorities evacuated more than 8,000 residents and tourists from their homes and hotels. A total of 224 firefighters, 53 fire engines, 11 special units, and firefighting planes and helicopters fought the flames.
Two firefighters were killed during the firefighting operations. At the time, winds in the area reached speeds of up to 88 kilometers per hour, with local gusts exceeding 100 kilometers per hour, making aerial firefighting operations extremely difficult.
Following the wave of wildfires, Greek authorities have adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward violations of fire prevention regulations. On days when a high fire risk is declared, lighting barbecues, burning cut vegetation, or carrying out any activity that could create sparks is completely prohibited.
Those who violate the regulations may face heavy fines and criminal proceedings.