Arsonist remanded over Peloponnese fire

A 47-year-old man who was remanded in custody on Wednesday after being charged with arson over a large blaze on Saturday in the area of Nea Sklavaina in Aetoloacarnania in the Peloponnese is believed to have instigated at least 10 fires over the past three years, according to investigators.

State officials estimate that Saturday’s fire razed at least 300 hectares of land including farmland and forestland as well as caused serious damage to warehouses and other buildings.

A blaze that broke out on July 19 in the same area also resulted in significant damage.

It remained unknown whether that fire was also the work of the 47-year-old, who was arrested last Sunday following complaints by local residents.