Fireworks allegedly launched from a super yacht sparked a blaze that burned about 3,000 acres of the only pine forest on the Greek island of Hydra, leading to the arrests of 13 passengers and crew members.
The defendants appeared in court in Piraeus on Sunday and were given 48 hours to prepare statements in their defense, the Guardian reported.
Hydra Mayor Giorgos Koukoudakis vowed to seek restitution if the case resulted in convictions.
"What was destroyed was absolutely beautiful pine forest and on the night in question, because of the winds, fireworks were banned," he said. "To use them was utterly irresponsible."
Greece last year increased the penalties for arson to a maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $214,000, according to Germany's public broadcaster Deutsche Welle.
The local prosecutor is seeking to seize the luxury vessel, said Vasilis Kikilias, the country's minister of climate crisis and civil protection.
The 176-foot super yacht was identified as the Persefoni I by the Guardian, which said it costs about $320,000 to rent for a week during the summer.
The people onboard allegedly tried to put out the forest fire after it erupted Friday night and fled the scene when they were unable to do so
The flames were extinguished Saturday after firefighters were forced to battle the blaze from the air.
"Six airplanes and two teams of firefighters, who had to be absent from dealing with other fires and services, were required to put it out," Kikilias said.
Vehicles, including bicycles, have been banned from Hydra since the 1950s, and people there have to walk or ride horses, mules or donkeys for transportation, according to National Geographic.
None of those arrested were identified, but Greek media reportedly said the passengers were from Kazakhstan.
Friday's blaze was among 64 forest and brush fires that broke out in a 24-hour period marked by high temperatures and strong winds, Deutsche Welle said.
