A Georgian woman will go on trial for causing a vegetation fire on the island of Chios after admitting throwing a cigarette.

The woman, employed as a housekeeper on the island of Chios, was detained after she admitted to causing a fire by carelessly throwing a cigarette. Fires broke out simultaneously in different areas of the island, affecting more than 40,000 hectares and forcing the authorities to declare a state of emergency. More than 400 firefighters and volunteers are battling the blaze, and the Greek government has stepped up penalties for vegetation fires. Greece is facing a heat wave, amplifying fire risks.