Two arrests were made in the framework of the autopsy, by members of the Fire Brigade, in cooperation with the Directorate for the Prevention of Arson Crimes (DAEE), on the basis of investigations into two fires in agroforestry areas, which broke out today in Achaia and Corinthia and threatened to take on dimensions, as strong winds were blowing.
One of them, in Achaia, extended into a forest area, specifically a regenerated forest, after an earlier fire, and was ongoing until a short while ago, but it started raining in the area.
The arrested persons, according to the authorities, in both cases, started the fires from agricultural crop residues, which they set on fire to burn, without taking the necessary safety measures provided for by the relevant fire regulation issued for this very purpose and despite strict recommendations.
In particular, as it was made known by the Fire Brigade, the first arrest was made in the area of Zoupi, in Megalo Valtos, Corinthia, and it is a native, 59 years old, who on 11.00 caused a fire while burning branches in a rural area. The flames spread, but thanks to the timely intervention of the fire brigade, the fire was immediately brought under control.
In the second case, in the area of Abelos Akrata in the municipality of Aigialia, a 51-year-old foreigner was arrested, who, around 16:00, set fire to burn agricultural residues, but the fire got out of his control and spread to the adjacent young forest. Firefighters were rushed to the scene to deal with the fire.
The 51-year-old man followed the same procedure and was taken to court and fined €3,375.
The Fire Brigade points out that the Fire Brigade remains fully alert, while stressing that causing a fire by negligence, especially when the prescribed safety measures are not observed, now carries severe criminal and administrative penalties.
