Greece fires update: Latest travel advice – is it safe to travel to Greece? – Express.co.uk
WILDFIRES are burning in Greece, causing hundreds of people to be evacuated from their homes. But is it safe to travel to Greece?
A major wildfire is burning on the Greek island of Evia, where hundreds of people were evacuated from four villages and a monastery. Water-dropping planes and helicopters have continued flights over the wildfire burning through a protected nature reserve. The aircraft are focusing on areas where access to the dense pine forest was hard by land.
There are more than 200 firefighters battling the blaze, which broke out at around 3am local time on Tuesday.
One volunteer firefighter was taken to hospital after suffering burns.
Strong winds have fanned the flames and have hindered efforts to control their spread.
The winds are also carrying smoke as far as the Greek capital, Athens, where a burning wood smell remained until late into Tuesday night.
Greece fires latest: Wildfires are burning across Greece (Image: GETTY)
The nature reserve is part of the European Union’s Natura 2000 network of protected areas.
Milder winds are forecast for Wednesday, and the fire department said the situation appeared improved from the previous day, despite the fire not being under control.
Authorities said there were two active fronts to the blaze, and there had been occasional flare-ups during the night.
The area affected by the fire declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, as Greece called on the European civil protection system for help stemming the blaze – Italy and Croatia pledged four firefighting planes.
Read More: Gran Canaria fire map: The staggering wildfire spread in Gran Canaria
Is it safe to travel to Greece?
Below is a statement from Gov.uk on travelling to Greece.
“A wildfire in Illea region, Manolada has meant that the National road between Payras and Pyrgos has been closed.
“British Nationals in the area should follow the advice of Greek authorities and monitor the website of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection
“Wildfires are ongoing in the Psachna area of the island of Evia (north of Athens) and in the Corianthiakos Bay area of Thiva (north-west of Athens).
“The Greek authorities have evacuated villages in Evia as a precaution, and the Greek authority wildfire alert remains at category 5 (red alert).
Greece fires latest: A protected nature reserve on the island of Evia is at risk (Image: GETTY)
“Smoke from the fire on Evia is also affecting Athens.
“Local authorities have advised that anyone with breathing difficulties should remain indoors and switch off air-conditioning units.
“If you’re in effected areas, follow the advice of the Greek authorities and monitor the website of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection for updates.”
Forest fires are common in Greece during the hot, dry summer months.
Authorities have frequently warned the public not to take part in outdoor activities which could cause fires.
Greece fires latest: Fire crews are working to save animals and evacuate residents (Image: GETTY)
Greece fires latest: The flames are being extinguished from above in hard-to-reach areas (Image: GETTY)
These include welding work, burning weeds or lighting campfires and barbecues.
Parks and forest areas are closed to the public at times of high fire risk.
Last year, more than 100 people died when a fast-moving forest fire broke out in a seaside area northeast of Athens and raged through a nearby settlement of mainly holiday homes.
The fire trapped people in their cars as they attempted to flee, while many others drowned as they tried to swim away from beaches overcome by heat and choking smoke.
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