A suspected arsonist has been apprehended in Calabria, Italy, after being spotted near a wildfire by a drone. Authorities in the region released the drone footage, revealing that a series of recent wildfires in the area were likely caused by deliberate acts of arson. The use of drones has become an important tool for firefighting teams in identifying potential culprits and gathering evidence in wildfire cases.
In addition to the situation in Italy, there have been reports of suspected arson on the Greek Islands of Corfu and Rhodes, where devastating wildfires have been wreaking havoc. Authorities are investigating the origins of these fires and exploring the possibility of intentional ignition.
Tragically, the wildfires have already claimed lives. On Tuesday, a firefighting airplane crashed on Evia, resulting in the deaths of both the captain and co-pilot who were trying to combat the blaze.
The mayor of Corfu, Yorgos Mahimaris, voiced his belief that arsonists were responsible for initiating the fires that led to widespread evacuations. His assertion was based on a personal visit to three specific locations on Mount Pantokratoras, where the fires are said to have originated. The deputy mayor of North Corfu, Theofanis Skembris, supported this view, highlighting that four fires had seemingly started “simultaneously” in different places.
“We have to wait for the investigation, but their first unofficial assumption is that it was arson – fires can’t start simultaneously in four different places,” Skembris told the BBC.
Corfu’s deputy mayor for tourism and construction, Chariton Koutscouris echoed similar sentiments that the wildfires must have been instigated by arsonists who derive “pleasure out of this with the pain of the other people”.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the wildfires, with local media outlets reporting that Vassilis Vathrakogiannis, a spokesperson from the Rhodes Fire Department, stated that the fires were “set by human hands.”
“Whether it is due to negligence or fraud will be seen (but) people have been summoned for statements and others will be summoned,” Vathrakogiannis added.
Arson is a serious crime that poses significant threats to human lives, property, and the environment. Deliberate setting of fires can cause untold damage and endanger the lives of firefighters and local residents. The use of drones to monitor and detect suspicious activities in areas prone to wildfires has become increasingly valuable in combating such criminal acts.
This summer, wildfires continue to be a major concern in North America and many parts of the Mediterranean, exacerbated by factors like extreme weather conditions, climate change, and human activities. Preventing and quickly responding to wildfires are crucial in minimizing their impact, and using advanced technologies like drones can aid in early detection and swift action against suspected arsonists.
Many country authorities are actively working to address the wildfire situation in affected regions, and the public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities that may lead to wildfires. Identifying and prosecuting those responsible for starting fires deliberately is vital to deter such destructive acts and protect communities and natural landscapes from further harm.
