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Woman sets forest fires in Greece to meet firefighters

A woman has been given a suspended sentence for starting two forest fires in Greece for unusual reasons. The 44-year-old had started the fires in order to interact with firefighters responding to the fires.

She reportedly attempted to start several fires, which led to two forest fires. The Tripoli resident now faces a 36-month suspended prison sentence and a fine of 1,000 euros (about $1,106).

The fire department confirmed her arrest, saying she was “arrested today, August 26, 2024, by Tripoli Police investigators.”

The statement added: “A Greek citizen responsible for the deliberate and repeated setting of two fires on agricultural land (on 24 and 25 August) in the area of ​​Kerasitsa in the municipality of Tripoli in Arcadia.”

Her motive was to talk to firefighters. According to reports from the Greek television channel Skai, she set the fires to meet men in uniform. Her presence at both fire scenes aroused the suspicions of the officials.

Her three-year sentence was suspended, meaning she will not be incarcerated immediately. However, if she is convicted of another crime within a certain period of time, the suspended sentence will be added to any new sentence.

Both fires were limited to small plots of land and were quickly brought under control by the fire department.

Wildfires are a major problem in Greece, especially in August 2024. Some fires almost reached the outskirts of Athens. A 36-year-old volunteer described the scene as “hell” and stated: “We do not have the resources to fight these conditions.”

Thousands had to be evacuated as the fires ravaged forests, farmland and homes. The cause of the fires is still under investigation.

Successive droughts and unusually hot heatwaves have made large parts of Greece particularly vulnerable to wildfires. The dry conditions mean that fires can spread quickly, leading to evacuations and property damage.

What other media say
  • tovima.com reports on a 44-year-old Greek woman who set fires to flirt with firefighters. She was sentenced to three years probation and must now spend two months in prison. (read more)
  • World News reports that a 28-year-old woman was arrested for deliberately setting fires in forests near Sooke, British Columbia, causing significant concern due to dry weather conditions. (read more)
  • San Francisco Chronicle Reports of the Pay Fire in El Dorado County, which started on Paydirt Drive near Placerville, covered 77 acres and was 5% contained as of Sunday morning. Evacuation orders have been issued for surrounding areas. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about this news

Why did the woman start the forest fires in Greece?

She set the fires to talk and flirt with firefighters.

What punishment was the woman sentenced to for the arson?

She received a 36-month suspended prison sentence and a fine of 1,000 euros.

How did the authorities catch the woman who set the fires?

Their presence at both fires aroused the suspicion of the firefighters present.

What impact did the fires set by the woman have in Greece?

The fires affected small areas of land and were quickly brought under control.

What challenges does Greece face with regard to forest fires?

Successive droughts, heat waves and dry vegetation make Greece vulnerable to rapid spread of fires.

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