Greece, battered by wildfires, arrests 79 alleged arsonists

Greek police have arrested at least 79 'arsonist scum' as it recovers from a series of wildfires.

Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias said arsonists have made multiple efforts to start fires on Mount Parnita. He said they were “committing a crime against the country,” as per BBC.

“Arsonist scum are setting fires that threaten forests, property and, most of all, human lives,” Kikilias added.

At least 20 people have been killed this week alone in Greece wildfires as firefighters have been deployed across the country.

In northeastern Greece, firefighters were still struggling to control a major wildfire in the Alexandroupolis region.

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Gale force winds combined with hot, dry summer conditions have been whipping up the flames, making the blazes exceptionally difficult to bring under control, authorities said.