Fireworks launched from a yacht in Greece sparked a forest fire on the island of Hydra on Friday, local fire authorities said.
The fire, now under control, ravaged the only pine forest on the tourist island and a helicopter was needed to put out the flames, authorities said. Facebook.
The cause of the fire has sparked outrage in Greece, which is already battling several wildfires and is in the grip of its first heatwave of the year.
“We are outraged that some people are so irresponsibly throwing fireworks into a pine forest,” Hydra Mayor Giorgos Koukoudakis told Greek broadcaster ERT.
He added that the city would seek legal action against those on board the yacht.
Greece has been on high alert for wildfires since Tuesday and authorities are bracing for a tough summer as dry conditions, high winds and high temperatures are expected to persist.
Friday, a 55-year-old volunteer firefighter died of his injuries he fought a fire in the southern region of Ilia, on the Peloponnese peninsula.
Summer wildfires are common in Greece and scientists have linked the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves, to climate change.
But the country also has a problem with arsonists: 79 people were arrested last August following deadly forest fires.
Earlier this year, Greece passed stricter arson laws, with perpetrators now facing up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to €200,000 (£169,000; $213,850).
