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Wales Online
08-07-2025
- Wales Online
Wildfires alert to Brits travelling to popular Mediterranean hotspot
Wildfires alert to Brits travelling to popular Mediterranean hotspot The UK Foreign Office has issued a warning to Brits travelling to a popular holiday destination in the Mediterranean this summer, with travellers urged to take action if they're caught in a wildfire Greece is already experiencing wildfires (Image: Kostas Metaksakis/Anadolu via Getty Images ) Holidaymakers heading to a popular Mediterranean destination have been cautioned about the potential risk of wildfires throughout the summer. The Foreign Office's travel advice for Greece has highlighted that wildfires are a common hazard from April to October. The fires are due to soaring temperatures. Officials say several fires have already reported in parts of the country. Parts of the Greek mainland and surrounding islands have experienced wildfire outbreaks due to an early summer heatwave across the region. A spate of wildfires broke out last week in Achlia on the island of Crete on Wednesday. Fires being contained across the weekend in Greece However, before the start of the weekend, the Hellenic Fire Service confirmed that it was mostly contained. Despite this, the villages of Tsakeoi and Limnionas on the island of Evia had seen residents evacuated due to a blaze that started late last Friday. Evia was previously placed on a list of several regions in Greece that were placed on high alert due to the risk of wildfires being exacerbated by high winds. In the European continent overall, eight deaths have already been linked to an outbreak of wildfires across the region. Article continues below UK Foreign Office guidance for traveller safety in Greece Official guidance from the Foreign Office states: "There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. Ensure that your mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts to be warned of wildfires near your location." It also highlights that wildfires are 'highly dangerous and unpredictable' and that tourists should help avoid starting any by not leaving their litter, especially glass and cigarettes which have been linked to starting wildfires. Furthermore, Brits could commit a criminal offence in Greece by starting a wildfire, even if it's unintentional. The Foreign Office also advises travellers to do the following: Article continues below
Perth Now
03-07-2025
- Climate
- Perth Now
Mass evacuations as fire ravages tourist hotspot
Fast-spreading wildfires in Greece have damaged homes and triggered mass evacuations, with authorities saying they 'cannot contain' the blaze. The fire at popular tourist destination Crete broke out on Wednesday afternoon and was quickly was fanned by gale force winds. Homes were damaged as flames rushed through hillside forests, lighting up the night sky and sending plumes of ash into the air. More than 1500 people have been evacuated, with 200 moved to shelter in an indoor sports arena. The fire now stretches over 6km according to emergency services. More than 150 firefighters and 38 engines and water trucks were deployed, according to the Greek fire brigade service. More services are on the way. Wildfire on Wednesday in Crete Kostas Metaksakis Credit: Kostas Metaksakis / Anadolu via Getty Images Nektarios Papadakis, a civil protection official, told Associated Press the fire was a 'difficult situation' and 'is very hard to contain'. 'Right now they cannot contain it,' Mr Papadakis said. 'The tourists who were moved out are all okay. They have been taken to an indoor basketball arena and hotels in other regions of the island.' The smoke travelled as far as Makry Gialos beach, more than 10km from the origin of the fire in Achlia. Three sites were ordered to evacuate in the island's south coast. Firefighters on the scene of wildfire evacuation operation in Crete. Credit: Kostas Metaksakis / Anadolu via Getty Images Localised mobile phone evacuation alerts were sent out to residents. Firefighters were also called to a blaze on the island of Kythira and another in the northern region of Halkidiki. There are no reports of serious injuries, but some residents were treated for breathing difficulties. All hospitals in Crete have been placed on alert as the situation develops. The fire comes amid a deadly heatwave across Europe and follows several wildfires in Spain's Catalonia region. Greece had been on high wildfire alert since late last week and a fire had already swept through the coastal towns of Palaia Fokaia and Thymari near Athens. — with AP
