The Greek authorities plan to impose stricter penalties for arson, with fines increased to 10 times the current level, following a series of major wildfires that have already caused damage greater than the annual total for 2022.

Public Order Minister Vassilis Kikilias stated that the details of the measures will be announced next month, but added that fines for causing deliberate fires or due to negligence will match the penalties imposed two years ago for animal abuse. The penalty can reach 50,000 euros (55,000 dollars) and a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.

Kikilias said in an interview with state television late on Monday, "I have to say that the next fire season will find us in a different situation, not only will penalties increase fines tenfold, but we need a change in mentality," and added that the changes will include school programs and local initiatives to raise awareness about wildfire prevention.

Greece grappled with 10 major wildfires last month, including blazes outside Athens and on the island of Rhodes, during three consecutive heatwaves.

More than 500 square kilometers (about 200 square miles) of land have been burned so far this year, more than double the annual total in 2022, according to the European Forest Fire Information System, an EU agency that tracks wildfire damage using satellite data.