Greece wildfires: Thousands evacuated from Rhodes homes & hotels as island blaze spreads - travel advice

Sophie Wills
By Sophie Wills
Published 22nd Jul 2023, 20:44 BST
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Hundreds of firefighters from across Europe are battling a wildfire in Rhodes that has forced thousands to flee homes and hotels on the Greek island.

A wildfire on the Greek island of Rhodes has forced authorities to order people in four areas to evacuate, with thousands fleeing seaside resorts and hotels. The blaze has been raging for five days and spread to the island’s central-eastern side today (Saturday, July 22) after being previously confined to its mountainous centre.

The fires have since reached three hotels, local media reported, which have already been evacuated. The Fire Service said that more than 200 firefighters and 40 fire engines were operating on the ground, assisted by five helicopters and three planes.

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The blaze in Rhodes is just one of several active fires ravaging Greece. The fire north west of Athens and one near Sparta are reportedly subsiding, although weather conditions including predicted temperatures of 45C on Sunday along with low humidity (below 15 per cent) mean that more wildfires could break out.

Tourists are evacuated from hotels during a wildfire on the Greek island of Rhodes on July 22, 2023.Tourists are evacuated from hotels during a wildfire on the Greek island of Rhodes on July 22, 2023.
Tourists are evacuated from hotels during a wildfire on the Greek island of Rhodes on July 22, 2023.

In Rhodes, the main front of the fire is a triangle, with two of its points near the sea and one in the mountains. Three coast guard vessels, plus one from the army, are evacuating people from two beaches. 20 private boats are understood to be assisting as well as the Greek Navy.