66 wildfires reported in Greece in last 24 hours

By Ahmet Gencturk and Gizem Nisa Celebi

ANKARA/ATHENS (AA) - Sixty-six wildfires broke out in Greece between 6 p.m. Friday and 6 p.m. Saturday local time, media reports on said late Saturday.

A total of 52 were dealt with in their initial stages, while firefighting teams are dealing with another 14, noted state-run AMNA news agency.

Citing civil protection authorities said great efforts are currently underway to deal with the fires that broke out in the Kontodespoti area on Evia Island and the town of Sapci, or Sapes in Western Thrace.

Meanwhile, 13 people were arrested in connection with a wildfire on the island of Hydra.

The suspects are accused of starting the fire by throwing fireworks while on a cruise on a yacht.

The Civil Protection Ministry warned of a very high risk of a wildfire in the Attica region which includes greater the Athens area and the adjacent port city of Pireaus pin Evia for Sunday because of extreme heat.