New travel alerts issued for Brits heading on Spain, Greece and Italy holidays
The Foreign Office has issued updated travel alerts for Brits planning summer holidays in the likes of Spain, Greece and Italy this summer as Europe continues to be hit by terrifying wildfires.
Blazes on the Greek island of Rhodes saw thousands evacuated, while in Sicily an airport was shut down overnight due to the flames. Meanwhile the Balearic Islands have issued red alerts due to the risk of wildfires for locals and tourists.
Meanwhile on Corfu around 2,000 people fled from a fire - although it's not yet clear if this was a wildfire or the result of arson.
Brits currently looking to book holidays have also been warned to check if their travel insurance will cover them if they choose to plan a holiday somewhere where it's known there have been wildfires.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Office has updated its travel advice to some of the biggest summer holiday hotspots to warn of the risks of the forest fires, as well as the key information UK holidaymakers should know whether they have a trip booked or are considering one.
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We take a look at the key updates below.
Have you been caught up in the wildfires abroad? Email us at [email protected]
Latest Greece travel advice
A resort on Rhodes by the blazes (MEN Media)Forest fires broke out on the island of Rhodes earlier this week, prompting thousands of tourists and visitors to be evacuated as firefighters tried to get the blazes under control.
As the fires start to die down, TUI has already said it is looking to restart flights and holidays to unaffected parts of the island this week.
Meanwhile, different blazes also affected mainland Greece, in a region on the outskirts of Athens.
The Foreign Office warns in its guidance: "Extreme temperatures are affecting many areas of Greece. There are active wildfires across Greece, including in populated areas on the mainland and a number of islands. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly. Follow “112 Greece” on Twitter for official updates. Read the NHS advice on coping in hot weather."
Brits due to travel to an area affected by wildfires are urged to get in touch with their travel operator or accommodation provider before they travel.
The UK government has also issued guidance for Brits currently in Greece.
Latest Spain travel advice
Wildfires broke out in Gran Canaria earlier this week but have since been 'stabilised' by local authoritiesA wildfire broke out on the island of Gran Canaria, although authorities said they had 'stabilised' the flames by Thursday. At the time of writing, other Spanish islands or parts of mainland Spain have not been hit by blazes like those seen in Greece.
However, the Balearic Islands - including Majorca, Ibiza and Menorca - have issued red alerts for both locals and tourists due to the high risk of wildfires.
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The Foreign Office warns: "Forest fires occur frequently in Spain (including in the Spanish islands) during the summer months, when temperatures regularly reach over 40ºC. Be aware of your environment when visiting or driving through woodland areas. For information on forest fire risk visit the Spanish Meteorological Office (AEMET).
"Causing a forest fire is a criminal offence in Spain, even if unintentional. Make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished, do not light barbecues and do not leave empty bottles behind. You can be heavily fined for not following the rules against lighting outdoor barbecues in forest areas. Make sure you know the rules if considering a barbeque.
"For information on what to do in the event of a forest fire, visit the Civil Protection website (only available in Spanish). Immediately report any fire you see to the emergency services on 112. In the case of wildfires, the situation can change quickly, so you should stay up to date with official advice."
Latest Italy travel advice
Wildfires are currently affecting regions in Sicily, Puglia and Calabria.
The Foreign Office warns: "Extreme temperatures are currently affecting many areas of Italy. For information on hottest areas and how to take care in the heat visit the website of the Italian Ministry of Health (in Italian only) and NHS."
The guidance adds that forest fires are a risk "during the extended summer months" and that these are "highly dangerous and predictable".
Brits are being urged to follow local authorities' advice, and check the latest weather forecast and alerts before travelling.
They add: "Take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas and report fires to the emergency services. For information on what to do in the event of a forest fire, visit the Civil Protection Department website."
- Travel advice is correct at the time of writing but can change quickly - always check the Foreign Office travel advice for a destination before you book and go on a trip.
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