Greek island issues urgent warning after devastating issue affecting tourist hotspot

An estimated 350 firefighters and eight water-dropping planes brought the dangerous blaze under control near Xylokastro in the Peloponnese region

A Greek island has issued an urgent warning after a devastating fire in a tourist hotspot.

Visitors have been warned by the Foreign Office about being careful in the country after two people died. Their deaths happened after large wildfire burned its way through forests near the resort of Xylokastro in the Peloponnese region in southern Greece. Around 350 firefighters and eight water-dropping aircraft brought the dangerous blaze under control near Xylokastro in the Peloponnese region at the weekend. Villages faced being evacuated overnight after the blaze broke out last Sunday.

Strong winds fanned the flames which spread through forests already extremely dry after a warm spring and hot summer. Authorities said the two dead were thought to be local residents who were declared missing late on Sunday. No-one else is believed to be missing. There were no immediate reports of burned homes in the affected area, some 93 miles south-west of Athens.

Greece, like other southern European countries, is plagued by destructive wildfires every summer. Over the past few months, authorities have had to cope with more than 4,500 wildfires. The Foreign Office warned UK holidaymakers to exercise care in Greece after the deaths of two people this weekend. Two people have died in a large wildfire burning through forestland near a seaside resort in southern Greece, authorities said.

Its warning for Greece said: "There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly." The Foreign Office added: "Causing a wildfire or a forest fire is a criminal offence in Greece – even if unintentional. If you see a fire, call the emergency services on 112. Be cautious if you are in or near an area affected by wildfires." It also asked people to "Follow @112Greece for official updates; follow the guidance of the emergency services; call the Greek emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger; contact your airline or travel operator who can assist you with return travel to the UK."

The Mirror told of horrendous wildfires last year which devastated parts of the sunshine islands. Hot, dry and windy conditions hampered the efforts of hundreds of firefighters battling the blazes which had been burning for several days. European Union officials have blamed climate change for the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in Europe, noting that 2022 was the second-worst year for wildfire damage on record after 2017.

Authorities on the islands then ordered the evacuation of two villages in the central Viotia region, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) northwest of Athens, after a forest fire broke out. The coastguard put two patrol boats and several fishing boats and private vessels on standby in case an evacuation by sea was necessary.