Rhodes wildfires 'caused by arson' say Greek firefighters after XR blames climate change
Smoke rises from a wildfire on the island of Rhodes, Greece, July 23, 2023
Reuters
Flames engulfing the Greek island of Rhodes were “set by human hands”, a representative from the local fire department has claimed.
A police investigation is underway after wildfires hit the popular holiday destination.
Local firefighters have struggled to battle the blaze since it started six days ago, with winds accelerating its spread.
Hundreds of British tourists have been caught up in the chaos as other parts of Greece also face wildfires amid scorching temperatures above 40C.
The wildfires have rapidly spread across the island due to high windsReutersCorfu is another popular destination which has been grappling with the flames.
Local authorities have not currently suggested Corfu’s problems are man-made.
Vassilis Vathrakogiannis, a representative from the Rhodes Fire Department, told local news outlets: “Fires are 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.
“As soon as we have complete information – because the investigation is in full swing, we will make announcements.
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The fires have led to the biggest evacuation in Greek historyTwitter/@Claynews12No arrests have been made in relation to events in Rhodes but preliminary enquiries reveal “indications” pointing to arson.
A man from the village of Apollo was brought in for questioning over suspicions of arson, local media outlets have claimed.
Local police revealed 16,000 people were evacuated by land and a further 3,000 by sea from a dozen villages and several hotels.
Approximately 266 emergency service personnel have been tackling the blaze.
The Greek Army was brought in to assist firefighters dealing with the situation.
Six people were also hospitalised with respiratory problems and have since been released.
Extinction Rebellion protesters outside of Wimbledon on day eight of the 2023 Wimbledon Championships
PA
A person who broke their leg during a hotel evacuation and a pregnant woman remain in hospital.
Campaign group Extinction Rebellion blamed climate change for the wildfires.
In a post on Twitter, the group said: “These children, like all children, face a terrifying future. We're on track for 2-3c of warming by the end of this century.
“They face catastrophic fires & floods, heatwaves and famine. MeanwhileRishi Sunak, Michael Gove and Grant Shapps sayNet Zero isn't ‘cost effective’.”
The UK Government has issued a statement on the situation saying: "If you are a British national affected by wildfires in Rhodes, please follow the guidance from the emergency services.
“Call the Greek Emergency Services on 112 if you are in immediate danger."