Greek wildfires threaten UK tourists
Greekwildfires threaten UK tourists
26 July 2007
published by www.itv.com
Greece — Wildfires on the Greek island ofKefalonia may force hundreds of British tourists to be moved from their hotels.
Around 3,000 Britons are holidaying on the region, just one of many parts ofGreece that have been hit by fires and scorching temperatures – in excess of100F.
Federation of Tour Operators’ spokesman Graham Lancaster said: “There are no reports of any British tourists being hurt but a few hundred may have to be be moved from their hotels today.
“It is smoke, rather than flames, drifting into the hotel areas that seems to be the problem and holiday company reps are on hand to help people.
“If hotels have been damaged by smoke, then people will be moved to safer areas. Hopefully, they may be able to return later. There is no panic and firefighting crews are on the spot.”
Most of the major UK holiday companies operate to Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands which lie to the west of mainland Greece.
The fire on the island follows serious blazes recently on the Greek islandsof Skiathos and Kos, both of which led to Britons being moved to safer areas.
