Greece fire crisis: Tourists' safety at risk amidst heatwave

Since mid-April, Greece has been ravaged by fires breaking out in different parts of the country. Firefighters strive to control the situation quickly, but the threat persists. The government is experiencing a heatwave, causing the fires to spread rapidly. Do tourists who have planned holidays in Greece have reasons to worry?

We all still remember the events of 2023, when fires broke out in the northern regions of Greece, claiming lives. Twenty people died at that time, and nearly 20,000 people, including many tourists, had to flee from the forest fires on Rhodes.

We can already assume that this year will not be any calmer. Fire season in Greece usually begins at the beginning of May, but this time, it started two weeks earlier. This tourist paradise is experiencing a heatwave, with thermometers showing temperatures over 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, strong winds are blowing.

In such conditions, there is a high risk of fire ignition. On Saturday, 22 June, Greek authorities arrested 13 people who may have caused the fire on the island of Hydra (near Peloponnese). According to the fire brigade, the fire was caused by "fireworks launched from a boat."

When the forests on the island of Rhodes were burning, tourists experienced a holiday nightmare. Could it be the same this year? Is planning a holiday in Greece a risky idea?

At the same time, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs suggest the decision to possibly cancel the trip lies with the tour organiser, and the participants decide whether to go or not.

The high fire risk in Greece remains and should not be underestimated. Tourists who decide to go should follow the recommendations of the Greek authorities. These include, among others, avoiding barbecuing outdoors and not discarding cigarette butts.