Israeli Man Arrested in Crete for Negligently Causing Wildfire by Using Barbecue

A 35-year-old Israeli man was arrested in Crete on suspicion of negligently causing a wildfire near Rethymno, Greece. The fire broke out on Friday around 19:11 in the Plakias area, where the fire risk level was classified as very high (level 4). According to Greek fire services, the blaze started while the man was using a barbecue, which led to the fire threatening to spread. Firefighters worked for approximately four hours to contain the fire. Following an investigation and evidence collection, the Israeli suspect was detained on Saturday and is expected to face judicial authorities in Greece.

Greek authorities reported that from the beginning of 2026 until August 15, there have been 297 arrests related to fire-setting offenses, mostly due to negligence. This incident highlights the strict enforcement of fire safety regulations in high-risk areas during the fire season in Greece.