According to the country’s state broadcaster, ERT, the 66-year-old man, who has not been named, is a former sociology professor at Panteion University and also taught at the Greek Police Officer Academy.

He is accused of deliberately causing a fire in the southeastern town of Vari on June 8 and 9.

Authorities arrested him on Monday after analyzing security camera footage that allegedly shows him starting blazes and then calmly walking away.

The man, who lives near the fire sites and has had disputes with local authorities over land maintenance, denies wrongdoing, arguing that the video evidence is insufficient to prove his guilt.

Authorities are also investigating whether he is linked to a larger forest fire that occurred six weeks earlier.

Greece wildfires

This June was the warmest in Greece since 1960, with twice as many blazes breaking out compared to the same month in 2023. Since May, hundreds of wildfires have erupted across the country.

The first significant fire of the season was recorded on April 6 in southern Crete, injuring three people.

Last year’s heatwaves in Greece led to 20 fatalities and wildfires that affected 175,000 hectares.

Extreme temperatures are the main cause of fire hazards in the country.