The Greek authorities arrested 13 crew members and passengers of a yacht on Saturday, after fireworks fired from the vessel caused a forest to burn on the island Hydra.

Early Saturday morning, firefighters brought the fire, which had burned a part of Bisti's pine forest, under control.

In a press statement, the Fire Department said that Sunday the people would appear before a prosecutor. The fire department did not name the yacht or individuals.

An official familiar with the matter said that "the arrests came after allegations that a forest fire was started by fireworks fired from the yacht Friday night." Officials said that the arrests took place at a marina in Athens.

Hydra is a popular destination for foreign tourists and yachters.

Hydra Mayor George Koukoudakis said on state television, "We are outraged." If it's true it makes me sad.

On Saturday, firefighters battled to put out dozens of fires that were sparked by strong winds in the southern part of the mainland and on the islands. (Reporting and editing by Cynthia Osterman; Lefteris papadimas)