Frustration on a Greek island following a forest fire initiated by fireworks.
The island's mayor, George Koukoudakis, voiced his worries to ERT, stating, "I'm quite alarmed by the reckless actions of some individuals." The authorities plan to take legal action against those implicated once the investigations are wrapped up.
In Greece, those convicted of arson now face a maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to 200,000 Euro.
With scorching temperatures, powerful winds, and water scarcity, the risk of forest fires in Greece has dramatically escalated. A 55-year-old villager from Myrtia, located on the Peloponnesian Peninsula, lost his life in a forest blaze on Friday. Per the Fire Department, 45 fresh fires were reported that day.
Following the hottest winter ever recorded, Greece is gearing up for a brutal summer marked by intense heat waves and an abundance of forest fires. According to experts, human-induced climate change is causing forest fires to become more regular and devastating.
Image: A forest fire in Greece (Source: EPA)
Emphasized text: The intensifying forest fire threat in Greece
List: - Arson penalties have been boosted - A man perished in a forest fire on Friday - Forest fires are becoming more frequent and potent due to anthropogenic global warming
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The forest fire that ravaged the island brought forth a wave of anger and concern from its residents and authorities. Despite the increased penalties for arson, the recurrence of such incidents, like the one that sparked the forest fire in Athens, remains a pressing issue. Amidst the looming threat of forest fires, the traditional celebration of the New Year with fireworks has become a contentious topic, as many argue that the risk of accidental fires is too great.
