Chios Woman Sentenced for Negligent Arson in Wildfire Scorching Over 4,000 Hectares

A Georgian woman working as a domestic helper on the Greek island of Chios has been arrested and sentenced to three years in prison for negligently starting a massive wildfire by discarding a lit cigarette, which she later tried to extinguish unsuccessfully. The fire, which erupted on June 23, burned approximately 4,000 hectares of forest, pasture, and agricultural land, including valuable mastic-producing villages, prompting evacuations and emergency declarations. The woman admitted to causing one of the five simultaneous fire fronts and expressed remorse for her actions. Firefighting efforts involved over 400 personnel, supported by helicopters and water-dropping aircraft, and authorities continue monitoring hotspots to prevent flare-ups. The case was fast-tracked due to eyewitness testimonies and the woman's confession, with the incident highlighting the ongoing challenges Greece faces from increasingly severe wildfires driven by climate change. Damage assessment and legal proceedings are ongoing as the island begins recovery efforts.