Authorities have arrested a 48-year-old man who is accused of setting four fires last month near a forested area in Pallini, eastern Attica.

The suspect, a municipal employee of Pallini, was taken into custody by the Fire Service’s Arson Crimes Directorate following a two-month investigation.

He is charged with multiple counts of intentional arson in close proximity to forestland.

Investigators linked him to four separate blazes: one each on June 18 and 19, and two more on July 14.

All occurred within 200 meters of each other, near the Pallini Music High School, the local Creative Activity Center for people with disabilities, and a child and adolescent mental health facility.

According to the case file, the fires shared common patterns.

They broke out in the late afternoon, between 3.58 p.m. and 7.17 p.m., in fenced or open plots.

Witnesses reported seeing the man driving a distinctive white van near the sites.

Investigators said he used either a lighter or flaming objects such as paper or cloth to ignite dry grass.

The arrest warrant was issued after prosecutors reviewed the findings.

The suspect is expected to appear before an investigative magistrate on Wednesday.