Pyro terrorism in Greece? Greek forest fires August 2007 and the impact on Greek banks stocks

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine Greek forest fires in August 2007 and statements about terrorism (pyro-terrorism) and the impact on Greek banks stocks. Design/methodology/approach: Event study methodology and market model is used in this paper and data of all Greek bank stocks prices listed in Athens Stock Exchange are analysed, before and after 17 August 2007, which is when forest fires took place in Greece. Findings: Total number of burned acres during a seven-year period, 2000-2006, was 2,530,883, and during only August 2007, burned acres accounted to 2,059,615. The former Minister for Public Order, Vyron Polydoras, stated the fires may be a result of terrorist attacks, as many of the fires started simultaneously and in places where an arsonist could not be seen. The Minister also stated that the country is facing an asymmetric threat, a military term used for terrorist attacks. The findings of event study methodology and market model show that CAARs were slightly negative but not statistically significant and during event date, and average abnormal return (AAR) was slightly positive at 0.0273 per cent. The event caused no influence on the stock market. Practical implications: Results are important for banking system, compliance and regulatory authorities, justice system and politicians. Originality/value: The impact of Greek forest fires in August 2007 on Greek banks stocks has not been examined so far.