Two beekeepers arrested in Hymettus fire

Two beekeepers, a Greek and a Bulgarian national, have been arrested in connection to a wildfire that broke out in the area of Kareas, close to Vyronas, in northeastern Athens, and spread to Mount Hymettus on Friday.

The suspects, 67 and 58, were charged with accidentally starting the fire and faced a local prosecutor on Saturday, authorities said.

According to police reports, the two men were allegedly carrying out beekeeping activities on Friday – possibly using smokers – in the area where the blaze broke out.

The fire quickly spread to neighboring Ilioupoli and Argyroupoli. One house and a taverna in Kareas were destroyed in the blaze.