Faulty Cable Suspected in Greece's Worst Wildfire

Investigators believe a faulty power cable may have ignited Greece's worst wildfire this year, killing one woman and scorching 10,000 hectares near Athens. The blaze began on Aug. 11, 35 km from the capital. As part of the probe, residents have been questioned, and arson is also being considered.

Investigators suspect that a faulty power cable might be the cause of Greece's worst wildfire this year, according to sources close to the probe. The blaze, which killed one woman and torched 10,000 hectares near Athens, began on August 11.

The fire started in a forest near Varnavas town, 35 km from the capital, spreading rapidly into northern suburbs of Athens. Investigators have interviewed local residents, including a 76-year-old man who suggested that a loose cable on a wooden electricity pillar outside his home could have ignited the blaze.

Climate change, high temperatures, and gale-force winds have exacerbated wildfire risks in Greece, which saw over 8,000 forest fires in 2023. Engineers are investigating, but the power network operator HEDNO claims no evidence of a malfunction. Despite milder winds calming the blaze, officials warn that flare-ups are still possible.

(With inputs from agencies.)