(MENAFN) Two men, aged 19 and 27, have been ordered held in custody in connection with a destructive wildfire that tore through forested areas, farmland, residential properties, and commercial sites in the western Greek city of Patras, according to local media reports on Monday.

The suspects are accused of multiple arson offenses, including deliberately igniting fires in both wooded and non-wooded zones. Authorities allege the pair acted together and on more than one occasion.

According to a public broadcaster, the younger of the two suspects admitted to starting the fire and led law enforcement officers to the ignition site in the Vounteni area near Sychaina. That location corresponds with evidence gathered by the Fire Service's Arson Crimes Unit, the outlet reported.

The blaze caused significant destruction before firefighters managed to contain it. Officials stated that both suspects will remain behind bars as the legal process unfolds and investigations continue.

Greece has endured a brutal wildfire season this summer, with a wave of blazes consuming large expanses of woodland and agricultural land, prompting evacuations and leaving widespread damage in their wake.

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