Fireworks from a luxury yacht set off a forest fire – NRK Urix – Foreign news and documentaries

A forest fire broke out on Hydra Island, south of Athens, on Friday. Greek authorities say the fire was ignited by fireworks launched from a nearby luxury yacht BBC.

The police arrested 13 people.

The fire is said to have burned down Hydra's only pine forest. It should now be under control.

It was difficult for fire brigades to put out the fire because there was no road nearby. They had to be transported by boat, while firefighting helicopters dropped water on the fire from the air.

Shut up

Greece has already suffered several forest fires this summer as a result of dry conditions, high temperatures and strong winds.

The shooting of fireworks angered many Greeks, according to the BBC.

– The island's mayor, Giorgos Kokoudakis, told Greek radio ERT: “We are angry that someone irresponsibly set off fireworks into a pine forest.”

Many people have missed the fire on social media as well.

The firefighter died

A 55-year-old volunteer firefighter died on Friday from injuries sustained while fighting a forest fire on Greece's southern Peloponnese peninsula.

Last year, Greece experienced one of its worst wildfire seasons in years, claiming about 20 lives.

Even then, the Greeks struggled with several forest fires.

In August last year, 79 people were arrested on charges of causing forest fires.

The authorities have tightened penalties for starting fires. You are now at risk of imprisonment for up to 20 years and fines of more than NOK 2 million.

Heatwaves and forest fires are expected to characterize the summer in southern Europe this year as well.