ATHENS, June 22, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - A forest fire on the Greek tourist island
of Hydra, near Athens, was started by fireworks launched from a yacht,
firefighters said Saturday, sparking widespread anger.

The fire, which started on Friday evening, has been brought under control,
authorities said.

The blaze was "caused by a fireworks launched from a boat and burned the only
pine forest on the island in a place that is difficult to access and has no
road," said the island's seasonal firefighting team on Facebook.

The mayor of the island, Giorgos Koukoudakis, told public television channel
ERT that he was "outraged that certain people are starting fires in such an
irresponsible manner".

The news also sparked fury on social media.

Greece has recently toughened penalties for arson, with perpetrators now
facing up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to 200,000 euros.

The country has been bracing for a particularly difficult summer as
authorities warned that strong winds and high temperatures mean there was a
"very high risk" of forest fires.

The Mediterranean country recorded its first heatwave of the year last week
with temperatures passing more than 44 degrees Celsius (111 degrees
Fahrenheit) in some locations.

Greek firefighters on Friday battled wildfires fanned by three days of fierce
winds that left at least one person dead.

Last year, a fierce two-week heatwave was followed by devastating wildfires
in which 20 people died.

Scientists warn that fossil fuel emissions caused by humans are worsening the
length and intensity of heatwaves around the world.

Rising temperatures are leading to extended wildfire seasons and increasing
the area burnt by the blazes, according to the United Nations
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.