Israeli Tourist Arrested in Crete for Causing Fire by Barbecue Despite Ban

A 35-year-old Israeli tourist was arrested on Saturday in Crete, Greece, on suspicion of causing a brush and forest fire by lighting a barbecue at a rented vacation villa. The incident occurred despite explicit warnings and a strict ban on barbecuing in the area due to high fire risk. The fire broke out on Friday at 19:11 local time near the village of Selia, close to Plakias in southern Crete. Firefighters managed to contain the blaze within about four hours, preventing it from spreading extensively.

Initial investigations revealed that the fire originated in the yard of the villa where a group of Israeli tourists were staying. The villa owner had warned the tourists upon arrival about the absolute prohibition on using barbecues because of the elevated fire danger. Following the incident, the Israeli tourist was detained by fire service investigators and is expected to appear before a prosecutor and judicial investigator. They will decide whether to file charges and if the suspect should remain in custody or be released under restrictive conditions.