A devastating wildfire that started Friday afternoon in the town of Keratea, on the eastern edge of Athens, has been brought under control but not without tragic consequences.
The blaze, which claimed the life of a 76-year-old man, scorched 1,581 hectares (4,000 acres) of forest and grassland between Keratea and the town of Anavyssos to the southwest, according to the National Observatory of Athens. The fire also caused significant damage to homes and property.
Investigators point to power cable as cause of Keratea wildfire
The investigation into the fire’s cause is underway, with the Fire Department’s Arson Crimes Division suspecting it originated from a malfunctioning medium-voltage cable. Investigators believe sparks from the cable, owned by the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (DEDDIE), ignited dry grass at the base of a utility pole.
In connection with the incident, two DEDDIE employees have been detained on suspicion of negligence related to network maintenance. The severed cable has been seized as evidence. Surveillance footage from a nearby home reportedly shows no vehicles passing by in the minutes leading up to the fire, supporting the theory that it was not caused by human activity in the area.
Meanwhile, officials are warning of continued danger. The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has issued a prediction map showing an extreme risk of fire for the greater Athens area, as well as the regions of Viotia and Evia, for Sunday.
