Greek authorities arrested 13 yacht occupants for allegedly transforming a Hydra getaway into a pyrotechnic forest inferno, sparking the island's only pine forest ablaze and prompting outrage from the local mayor.

Authorities detained the crew and passengers at an Athens marina after their festive fireworks display aboard a yacht allegedly led to a fire that torched part of Hydra's sole pine forest. While firefighters managed to contain the blaze on Saturday, the arrested suspects are set to face a prosecutor, as the local mayor expressed both fury and disappointment over the incident.

The fire broke out in the remote area of Bisti and quickly spread through the forest. Emergency services had to access the affected area by sea and air as there were no accessible roads. Gale-force winds only compounded the firefighters' challenge, making it feel like they were battling a fire-breathing dragon. Meanwhile, wildfires also flared up across several other Greek islands and parts of the mainland.

The incident began with what was presumably intended as a colorful celebration. Passengers aboard the yacht launched fireworks that allegedly ignited the dry vegetation. The situation rapidly escalated as wind gusts carried embers, threatening to devastate one of Hydra's key natural landscapes. Witnesses reported seeing flames consuming the trees, creating plumes of smoke visible from miles away; not exactly the 'light show' anyone had hoped for.

Though the fire was contained, the damage was done. The pine forest, invaluable to the island’s ecosystem and a serene spot for locals and tourists alike, suffered significant harm. Hydra Mayor George Koukoudakis voiced his dismay, describing the loss as both an environmental and emotional blow to the community. 'This act has not only damaged our natural heritage but has also caused great distress to the people of Hydra,' he said. Indeed, it seems that even the forest needed a firework permit.

The identities of the yacht and the individuals on board remain undisclosed by the authorities. However, they have confirmed that the group consisted of both crew members and passengers. The suspects were apprehended in the marina near Athens, where they had docked after their rather explosive festivities. They will face a prosecutor on Sunday, with charges likely to include negligence and causing a forest fire.

Firefighters, who have been grappling with numerous wildfires exacerbated by strong winds across Greece, swiftly mobilized to combat the blaze on Hydra. Despite these ongoing challenges, they managed to bring the fire under control by Saturday. Their efforts were hailed by the local residents, who recognized the immense difficulty posed by the inaccessible terrain and adverse weather conditions. Even with all these challenges, locals joked that they should send the firefighters thank-you notes 'with flame-resistant envelopes.'

Given the backdrop of widespread fires in Greece, this particular incident on Hydra stands out due to its preventable nature. Fireworks, often synonymous with celebration, turned into a source of devastation, serving as an unwelcome reminder that sometimes it's best to leave the 'fire' out of 'fireworks.'

As the investigation continues, the recent incident has certainly caught the public's attention. Greek authorities arrested 13 yacht crew members and passengers after fireworks launched from the vessel allegedly sparked a forest fire on the island of Hydra. The blaze burned part of the island's only pine forest in the remote area of Bisti. Authorities are focused on addressing the immediate aftermath and ensuring such events do not repeat. Perhaps adding a gentle reminder to pack fireworks alongside sunscreen in the 'things not to bring to a forest' list might help prevent future mishaps.

Moving forward, the community of Hydra faces the herculean task of recovery. Restoration efforts will likely be as costly as buying coffee on a luxury yacht. Meanwhile, tourists are urged to exercise heightened caution and respect the island's natural beauty.