Israeli national arrested in Crete over wildfire sparked by barbecue

Greek authorities have arrested a 35-year-old Israeli national on the island of Crete on suspicion of accidentally starting a wildfire. The incident occurred on Friday evening near the village of Agios Vasilios in the Rethymno region. According to reports, the individual was grilling outdoors during a period of heightened fire risk. Firefighters managed to contain the blaze after four hours, and no injuries were reported. The Israeli national is currently awaiting a decision from a judicial investigator and prosecutor regarding potential charges and whether he will remain in custody. Greek authorities report that 297 people have been arrested across the country this year on suspicion of causing fires, with 267 of those cases attributed to accidental negligence.