Foreign Office issues warning for holidaymakers travelling to popular tourist spot
Holidaymakers heading to a favoured Mediterranean destination have been warned of the potential risk of wildfires throughout the summer season.
The Foreign Office's travel advice for Turkey has highlighted that wildfires are a common hazard during the Turkish summer, due to soaring temperatures. A number of fires have already been reported in various parts of the country.
An early summer heatwave across the region has sparked several wildfires, with Turkey's west coast being the latest area affected. A spate of wildfires that began in late June also resulted in numerous fires in Izmir, attributed to extreme heat, low humidity, and strong winds.
This year's wildfires in Turkey have already claimed two lives, while tens of thousands have been forced to evacuate their homes due to the increased threat to life. A new wildfire was reported last Friday near the Turkish-Syrian border in the south of the country, with the town of Dortyo, Hatay, facing the greatest danger.
Foreign Office guidance for those caught near a wildfire
The official advice from the Foreign Office emphasises that wildfires occur 'frequently' in Turkey during the summer months. However, it also cautions that tourists could face a fine or even imprisonment if they're found to be directly responsible for starting a wildfire.
The simple act of discarding a lit cigarette in a high-risk area, such as woodland, can spark off a wildfire, the public is warned. The guidance notes: "If there is a wildfire in your area, local authorities may tell you to leave your accommodation. Follow the directions of local authorities.
"If you see a wildfire, call emergency services on 112."
It is also crucial to consider that the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cautions UK citizens against travelling within 10km of the Turkey-Syria border due to ongoing conflict and an increased threat of terrorism. Additionally, travellers could find themselves without valid travel insurance coverage if they disregard this advice, which may result in exorbitant healthcare costs in the event of an accident.
Efforts to contain wildfires in Turkey
In Turkey, firefighters spent the weekend battling to control six out of nine wildfires that have broken out across Izmir, with strong winds and potential power line issues contributing to the intensity of the fires.
Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli stated on X last Friday: "With the intense efforts of our forest heroes throughout the night and aerial intervention at first light, the fire in Cesme has been brought under control. Our intense efforts by air and land continue to bring the fires in Odemis and Buca under control."
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