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Israeli Tourist Arrested After Barbecue Sparked Wildfire

8/20/2026

Summary

Greece Arrests Tourist

Greece arrested a 35-year-old Israeli tourist after his prohibited barbecue sparked a wildfire near Sellia.
The fire ignited at 7:11 p.m. Friday in a villa yard at Agios Vasileios, Rethymno, while winds of 88 km/h, gusting over 100 km/h, spread sparks to dry vegetation.
Over 60 firefighters, three special units, helicopters and water tankers contained the blaze after about four hours.
Greek authorities evacuated Fotinari and Souda and issued 112 emergency alerts.

Summary

Firefighters Battle Blaze

More than 500 firefighters from Norway, Sweden, Germany and the Netherlands fought the 30-square-kilometre blaze.
The French government pledged a 12-million-euro aid package to Gironde and Landes to rebuild homes and support businesses.
Hotel owner Thomas van Sante reported tourist cancellations after the fire near Mont Dragon, indicating a hit to local tourism.
Veterinarian Hugues Guyvot said smaller species such as frogs and mice likely died underground in the peat-rich soil.

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Greece Arrests Tourist

Greece arrested a 35-year-old Israeli tourist after his prohibited barbecue sparked a wildfire near Sellia.
The fire ignited at 7:11 p.m. Friday in a villa yard at Agios Vasileios, Rethymno, while winds of 88 km/h, gusting over 100 km/h, spread sparks to dry vegetation.
Over 60 firefighters, three special units, helicopters and water tankers contained the blaze after about four hours.
Greek authorities evacuated Fotinari and Souda and issued 112 emergency alerts.

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