Greek authorities placed an Athens university professor in pre-trial detention on Thursday on suspicion of starting a series of wildfires near Athens, according to local media. Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias had previously stated that the 66-year-old suspect had set 'four dangerous fires' in the semi-rural suburb of Vari, south of the capital, on June 8 and 9. State agency ANA reported that the man, who denies involvement, is a sociology professor at a leading Athens university and a former lecturer at a police academy. He was allegedly captured on security camera footage creating at least one of the blazes, ANA said.
This year, Greece has toughened penalties for arson, with perpetrators now facing up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to 200,000 euros ($218,000). The Mediterranean country is particularly vulnerable to summer wildfires. Every day this season, the Greek fire department has fought dozens of fires, fueled by high temperatures and strong winds. This summer, the department has been engaged in a daily battle to control numerous fires driven by high temperatures and strong winds. Following the warmest winter on record, Greece also experienced the hottest June and July since reliable data collection began in 1960. It recorded its earliest heatwave in June.
