Intentionally starting or maintaining a fire or causing an explosion which endangers a person or a building or causes substantial property damage is a crime. This is distinguished from arson in that destruction of the property is not the intent and generally is considered a lesser offence.
In 1995 in Greece, three self-proclaimed anarchist groups claimed responsibility for setting ablaze one of Athens' major forests, causing a fire that destroyed more than 6,000 hectares. The group said that the fires were aimed at rich landowners, so that they would realize what it is like to live in an area with no greenery. The fire destroyed more than 25 villas and buildings. It raged out of control for three days. About 1,000 fire-fighters tried to bring it under control before it would spread into thickly populated areas.