Despite an extreme fire risk warning in Attica, four individuals were arrested for carrying out hot work—including angle grinding and electric welding—in open-air locations. Such activities pose a serious ignition hazard, especially when the national fire danger level is at Category 4—the highest level.
Arrests Across Three Municipalities
The arrests were carried out by specialized inspection teams from the Hellenic Fire Service as part of intensified enforcement during high-risk days. Authorities conducted checks across multiple areas and identified violations in three separate municipalities:
- In Dionysos, a 47-year-old foreign national was caught using an angle grinder just before 11 a.m.
- Shortly afterward, in Rapentosa (also in Dionysos municipality), a 60-year-old foreign national was arrested for the same offense.
- At noon in Koropi, inspectors found a 73-year-old Greek man and a 35-year-old foreign national performing hot work involving both grinding and electric welding.
Penalties and Broader Enforcement Trends
All four individuals were processed through the expedited administrative procedure and each received a €3,000 fine.
According to Fire Service data, between January 1 and July 5, authorities have issued 521 administrative fines totaling €645,080.80—and made 164 arrests under the same expedited process. Of those arrests, 151 involved fires caused by negligence and 13 by intentional acts.
The Fire Service reiterated that human error remains the leading cause of wildfires and urged the public to avoid any activity that could generate sparks or heat sources—including welding, grinding, burning debris, or even careless use of machinery—during periods of extreme fire danger. Doing so helps protect lives, property, and Greece’s natural environment.