As Keratea blaze damage gauged, arsonist sought

As state officials on Monday started assessing the damage wreaked by a large fire that burned for most of the weekend near the seaside town of Keratea in eastern Attica, authorities questioned local residents as suspicions of arson deepened.

The fire broke out on Saturday afternoon on at least two fronts simultaneously, according to locals.

Fanned by strong winds, the blaze razed at least 500 hectares of land – mostly brush – while two homes were destroyed.

The flames came close to several other homes but residents kept them at bay by using water hoses to douse their houses and gardens.