Kikilias stressed that: "prolonged heatwave, drought, strong winds and increased dry lightning activity severely tested the efforts of firefighters today, who dealt with 68 fires nationwide. In Rodopi two fires in Ampelakia and Sappes, in Avgo Ioannina, in Kastraki Arcadia, in Pyrgos Konitsa, on Mount Paiko in Pella and in Erythres in Attica ground forces and aerial resources fought hard to contain the blaze fronts. A big thank you from all of us for the huge effort made day and night."