Overview

• The Foreign Office issued updated travel advice on July 8 warning British nationals of heightened wildfire risks in Croatia, Portugal, Greece and Turkey.
• Recent blazes on Crete forced the evacuation of over 1,500 people, and at least five fires have broken out near Izmir during extreme heat and strong winds.
• Hot, dry conditions from April to October have raised the likelihood of wildfires across Portugal and Croatia, prompting authorities to prepare for road closures and evacuations.
• Travellers must register mobile phones for local emergency alerts, monitor fire risk indexes and follow safety procedures if they encounter a fire.
• All four countries enforce strict penalties for accidental or intentional ignition, with fines from hundreds to tens of thousands of euros and potential prison terms.