What do the data collected so far by the Fire Department on three major fires in Kythira, Chania, and Zografou Polytechnic show? Here is the report. Yiannis Papadopoulos published in the newspaper Kathimerini.

Fires: Investigations focus on cables

The fire department's investigations have focused on the power grid, after gathering evidence, witness statements, and video footage, on the possible causes of three major fires that broke out in different parts of Greece over the last 24 hours.

Specifically, in the case of the fire in Drosopigi, according to information from «K,» investigators from the Fire Department's Arson Crimes Division have focused on a low-voltage pillar, which also has a light fixture on it. The pole, which, based on the data available so far, appears to be the original source of the fire, was guarded by the Fire Department for one night, as was the case last year with a wooden pole in the great fire of Varnava, so that it would remain untouched.

The following day, a cable, which appears to have been cut, and a piece of the lighting fixture were confiscated, while an investigation has been launched. expert witness to study the evidence and determine whether the fire was caused by a short circuit and whether there was sparking.

The following is also considered critical: testimony of a local resident, who was passing by and noticed the fire starting under the pillar, was the first to call the fire department to report the incident. According to information from «K», available video footage from neighboring houses appears to confirm his passage through the area and also shows smoke.

In Kythira

In the other big fire of Kythira, The fire department located the source of the fire approximately 150 m south of the island's hospital. There are no roads or agricultural activity in the area, which is covered with holm oaks, making it difficult to conclude that the fire was caused by negligence. The scenario of intentional arson does not seem likely to the fire department, as the spot is exposed to view and could easily be noticed.

Authorities are investigating cable damage as a possible cause of fires that have broken out across the country in recent days.

However, medium voltage lines pass through there. One of the cables it appears to show signs that have raised suspicions, and in this case the appointment of an expert is pending, as there is no specialist on the island who could immediately inspect the site. Similarly, in fire in Euboea The local investigative team has appointed an expert, as the firefighters' investigation has focused on a wooden pillar.

In Chania

In the case of the major fire in Chania, according to information from «K», A case has already been filed against the owner of a tavern near the village of Temenia, as the fire is believed to have started from a grill However, according to the information available so far, after the initial outbreak, the locals managed to contain the fire and bring it under control before it spread over a large area.

However, the network was reportedly overloaded, causing a pillar to burst approximately 580 m from the initial source and sparking a new fire, which then continued its destructive path in the area. In this case, too, an expert has been appointed and his conclusions are awaited so that they can be included in the case file.

At the Polytechnic Campus

Yesterday at noon, a fire broke out in the foothills of Mount Hymettus in low vegetation through the Polytechnic University of Zografou campus caused a major mobilization of firefighting forces. More than 11 firefighters with five teams of foot soldiers, 30 vehicles, 11 helicopters, and eight aircraft managed to bring the fire under control before it spread. Officials from the Arson Crimes Division also arrived at the scene, conducted an autopsy, and collected evidence. The causes of this fire are under investigation.