ATHENS

The Greek government on Thursday claimed arsonists were behind the wildfire that started on Tuesday in the Mount Parnitha National Park, north of Athens.

Nine attempts for arson were made at the foot of Mount Parnitha in Avlona area since 8 a.m., said Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Vassilis Kikilias in a press statement.

There is absolutely no doubt that several of the fires plaguing Greece currently have been the result of arson, government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis was later quoted as saying by public broadcaster ERT.

“We are talking about very serious indications. The police investigation is underway,” he said, adding that so far there had been over 140 arrests, 79 of which were related to arsons.

Wildfires in Greece, spurred by strong winds and high temperatures, are raging for the sixth day.