Israeli Man Arrested in Crete for Starting Barbecue During Fire Warning

A 35-year-old Israeli man was arrested on the Greek island of Crete after lighting a barbecue near the village of Agios Vasilios in the Rethymno region during a high fire risk alert. The fire broke out on Friday close to the villa the Israeli had rented but did not spread extensively. Local firefighters managed to control the blaze after about four hours, and no injuries were reported. During questioning, the Israeli claimed he was unaware of the ban on lighting fires. He is expected to face a judicial investigator and prosecutor who will decide whether to press charges and extend his detention or release him under restrictions. Greek authorities have been strict about fire-related offenses amid a severe fire season, with 297 people arrested so far this year for causing fires, mostly unintentionally, and fines totaling approximately 1.14 million euros. The Rethymno area has recently experienced significant fires under challenging wind conditions.