Greece Issues Warning to UK Tourists Amid Soaring Temperatures and Wildfires
Date: July 3, 2024
Location: Greece
Greece has issued a warning to UK tourists regarding the dangers posed by rising temperatures and an increased risk of wildfires. This alert comes as the nation experiences a severe heatwave that has significantly heightened the danger of wildfires across the country. Popular tourist destinations including Kos, Rhodes, Corfu, Crete, Lesvos, and Santorini are affected.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that this summer could be particularly dangerous due to the ongoing drought and unusually high winds. Additionally, Jet2 airline has advised its customers in the affected areas to adhere to local authority guidance, highlighting the safety and well-being of travelers as a priority.
In response to lightning-induced fires, Greek firefighting forces are actively combating blazes across multiple regions. On the island of Thassos, lightning strikes have sparked forest fires, with more than 32 firefighters and 13 fire engines engaged in controlling the flames. Reinforcements from nearby Kavala have been dispatched to assist.
The Greek Civil Protection Service has forewarned of continuing volatile weather, predicting storms with heavy lightning and hail, particularly in central and northern Greece. The government has fortified its firefighting capabilities with 240 firefighters from Bulgaria, Malta, Moldova, and Romania to manage the wildfire season from July to mid-September.
Recent wildfires have necessitated the evacuation of scores of people from the islands of Kos and Chios. The incidents have resulted in minor injuries to four firefighters and one volunteer, and an individual in Chios has been fined for allegedly starting a fire.
These developments underscore the serious challenges Greece faces during this summer's wildfire season.