From the earliest hours of the major wildfire in Boeotia, which spread into Attica, specialist officers from the Arson Crime Response Directorate (DAEE) travelled to the points of origin and took charge of investigating the causes and circumstances of its outbreak.

DAEE investigators carried out extensive on-site inspections, took witness statements, gathered crucial evidence and reviewed video footage capturing the first minutes after the fire broke out.

At the same time, a specialist inspection was carried out at ground zero — the point where the fire was found to have started — with the assistance of a court-appointed electrical engineering expert.

The combined assessment of the evidence found that oscillation occurred in the conductors of the private network transmitting electricity generated by wind turbines to the main power grid, causing sparking. The sparks fell to the ground, igniting the fire, which grew to a large scale and spread from Boeotia into Attica.

The investigation focused on those responsible for the design, construction, supervision and proper operation of this private network.

Under flagrante delicto proceedings, two Greek nationals were arrested. One, an electrical engineer by profession, had signed off on the design and supervision of the project, while the second, a contractor, had undertaken construction of the power transmission network.

A case file has been opened against them for arson with possible intent, at felony level.

The case file also includes the owner of the wind turbine company, who was sought under the flagrante delicto proceedings but has not been located.

The two arrested men will be brought before the competent Public Prosecutor’s Office.

The Arson Crime Response Directorate (DAEE) is continuing its investigation into the case, examining all technical, testimonial and video evidence, with the aim of fully establishing the circumstances of the fire’s outbreak and spread, and of attributing any further criminal responsibility.