Greece has called out “arsonist scum” after police made 79 arson arrests over wildfires ravaging the country, writes BBC.

Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias said there had been several attempts by arsonists to start new fires on Mount Parnitha, north-west of Athens.

The blaze is one of hundreds in the nation where wildfires have already killed at least 20 people this week.

“You are committing a crime against the country. Arsonist scum are setting fires that threaten forests, property and, most of all, human lives. You will not get away with it, we will find you, you will be held accountable”, - said Kikilias.

Summer wildfires are common in Greece and scientists have linked the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves, to climate change.

Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis told Greek public broadcaster ERT that of 140 wildfire-related arrests, 79 were related to arson. Hundreds of firefighters across Greece have been battling deadly wildfires.