About 50 Bulgarian firefighters from around the country lent their services to assist Greece in fighting the forest fires that swept the country over the summer of 2007. In total, about 670 000 acres (2711 sq km) burnt in the Peloponnese, Attica and Euboea regions. To recognise their contribution, Greek ambassador to Bulgaria Danae-Madeleine Koumanakou awarded the men at ceremonies held in their base cities. The Sofia ceremony was held in the Sheraton Hotel on March 25, Greece’s National Day, in the presence of Bulgarian Government represenatives, Greek firefighters, and family and friends.