In response to a series of catastrophic wildfires that have ravaged Greece this year, the government is set to implement stricter penalties for arsonists. The new measures, scheduled to be announced next month, aim to deter deliberate acts of arson and negligent behavior that have contributed to the devastating blazes that have already surpassed the damage caused in the entirety of 2022.
Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias unveiled the government's plans, which include a tenfold increase in fines for arson-related offenses. The current fines are set to be multiplied by ten, serving as a deterrent for potential arsonists. Additionally, penalties for those found responsible for causing fires deliberately or due to negligent behavior will be aligned with the fines established two years ago for animal abuse. These penalties entail fines of up to $55,000 and a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.
Kikilias emphasized that the proposed measures are not solely focused on punitive actions. The government also plans to initiate comprehensive initiatives to foster a shift in mentality towards wildfire prevention. These initiatives will include educational programs in schools and locally-based awareness campaigns to promote responsible forest fire prevention practices.
“I am obliged to say that the next fire season will find us in a different position, It’s not just the penalties — the fines will increase tenfold — but we need a ... change in mentality,” Kikilias stated.
The urgency for stricter measures stems from a surge in wildfires that Greece has faced in recent times. In the last month alone, the country has battled 10 major wildfires, including blazes near the capital, Athens, and on the island of Rhodes, all of which occurred during three successive heatwaves.
The scale of destruction caused by the wildfires has been unprecedented. More than 500 square kilometers of land have already been consumed by fire this year. This figure represents more than double the total area affected by wildfires in the entirety of 2022, as per the data from the European Forest Fire Information System, an agency of the European Union responsible for monitoring wildfire damage using satellite data.
The wildfires have had severe consequences on both the environment and communities, resulting in the loss of valuable ecosystems, properties, and, tragically, human lives. The Greek government's proposed measures seek to address this crisis by enforcing harsher penalties for those found responsible for causing wildfires intentionally or negligently.
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