Expats And Holidaymakers In Greece Warned Over Increasing Wildfires In Tourist Areas

As the heatwaves continue drying up the land, expats and summer season visitors to Greece are being warned about the dangers of fast-spreading wildfires.

The UK Foreign Office has issued warnings to expats and travellers about the increasing risk of wildfires and their spread across affected regions. The warnings are rated at the extreme level 5 and the country’s alert system remains on red. Last weekend, both expats and holidaymakers were evacuated from Elafonisos Island due to a powerful wildfire which spread after starting in a landfill site.

The warnings included advice on how to proceed should a wildfire occur, such as remaining indoors and switching off air conditioning units.

Other areas affected include Manolada in Illea region, where flames have cut off the main road between Pyrgos and Payras. British expats are being advised to follow the General Secretariat for Civil Protection’s website, although at this time there’s no updated information about a number of wildfires now being reported in local media. Other areas now under wildfire warnings include the Psachna region of Evia island located to the north of Athens, and Thiva’s Corianthiakos Bay area to the north-west of the capital.

At the present time, smoke from the Evia wildfire is now affecting air quality in the capital, with those susceptible advised to stay indoors, switch off the aircon and keep windows closed. Those experiencing breathing difficulties should go to the nearest hospital’s emergency room. Across the affected areas, firefighters are attempting to control the blazes and are fearful that last year’s death count of 102 people may repeat itself or even worsen as the flames spread.