In a shocking turn of events, authorities in Greece have arrested thirteen individuals following a devastating forest fire that ravaged the renowned tourist island of Hydra. The blaze, which ignited on Friday, consumed the island's only pine forest, creating a challenging situation for firefighters to bring it under control.

According to Greek authorities, the forest fire was allegedly started by fireworks launched from a yacht. The incident has sparked outrage across the country, which is already grappling with multiple wildfires amid the first heatwave of the year. Greece has been on high alert for wildfires since Tuesday, with dry conditions, strong winds, and high temperatures exacerbating the situation.

To combat the Hydra fire, firefighters faced the unique challenge of accessing the beach by sea, as there are no roads leading to it. As a result, helicopters played a crucial role in dropping water from the air to contain the flames. Eventually, the fire was brought under control, but not without significant difficulty.

All thirteen individuals arrested in connection with the forest fire are Greek citizens. They are set to appear before prosecutors on Sunday, as confirmed by the Greek fire service. Notably, the fire service's statement did not mention the yacht involved in the incident.

The loss of the pine forest on Hydra, beloved by tourists and locals alike, has left the community devastated. Hydra's mayor, Giorgos Koukoudakis, expressed his indignation, stating, "We are indignant that some people so irresponsibly throw fireworks into a pine forest," during an interview with Greek broadcaster ERT.

Tragically, this forest fire on Hydra is not an isolated incident. Just yesterday, a volunteer firefighter lost his life while battling a blaze in the southern region of Ilia on the Peloponnese peninsula. Such incidents further emphasize the urgency of tackling the escalating wildfire crisis in Greece.

While Greece experiences summer wildfires annually, scientists have attributed the increasing frequency and intensity of these events, including heatwaves, to climate change. However, arsonists also pose a significant problem in the country. As a result, Greece implemented tougher arson laws earlier this year, with offenders facing up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to €200,000.

As dry conditions persist, Greece remains on high alert for further wildfires. Authorities are prepared for a challenging summer ahead, as they continue to battle the devastating consequences of these fires. The loss of lives, natural landscapes, and livelihoods calls for increased efforts to prevent and combat this growing crisis.

In the face of these alarming events, Greece must prioritize fire prevention and take stringent measures to hold accountable those who endanger lives and habitats through irresponsible actions.