Tuesday, July 8, 2025
As a heat wave intensifies across Europe, some of its countries in the Mediterranean are facing greater risk of danger from wildfires, especially states that have warm and dry weather during summers. Therefore, the UK’s Foreign Office updated travel advisories for four key tourist destinations—Croatia, Portugal, Greece, and Turkey. These countries, all popular for their glorious pasts, scenic beauty, and good climate, are now also seeing threat from wildfires, which can easily spread and cause considerable disruption.
It is necessary that individuals aiming to visit these countries during their summer have current information on risks surrounding wildfires and prepare to ensure their safety. It is by constant updates and alerts that the Foreign Office, which has a goal of protecting British nationals and enhancing British interests globally, provides assistance to British nationals in making informed choices about their visits. In providing comprehensive information on risks created by wildfires and ways to prevent them, the Foreign Office tries to ensure that visitors remain secure and well-informed.
Peril of Wildfire in Croatia
Croatia, a Mediterranean pearl well known for its breathtaking Adriatic coast, charming cities like Dubrovnik, and beautiful national parks, is no stranger to wildfires during summer. Croatia’s forested and rural areas, as a result of its dry summers, are particularly vulnerable to these destructive fires. A special warning has been issued by the Foreign Office to visitors going to Croatia, detailing in particular that wildfires constitute a typical threat and a specific danger during summer.
Tourists going to Croatia are urged to exercise particular safety when moving around the country’s natural landscape, particularly in forested areas. Conditions can easily become unpredictable in these areas because fires can unexpectedly start and easily spread given dry weather and wind conditions. It is recommended by the Foreign Office that visitors avoid forested areas during midday and are cautious regarding local wildfire alerts.
In the unlikely event that you encounter a wildfire, your Foreign Office advises you to call Croatia’s emergency services on 112 at once. It is important to note that local authorities take prevention of wildfire very seriously, and you can be heavily fined if you are found to have started a fire intentionally or by accident. Fines can range between 2,000 and 20,000 euros, or you may land in jail. In a quest to avoid fires, visitors are warned not to drop litter, especially glass, as this has been found to trigger fires when hit by hot sun.
There is a prohibition on outdoor barbecue from June to October, unless special areas are used. These restrictions should be kept in view by visitors and cigarette buttts should be thrown after making sure that they have been thoroughly extinguished. It is also advisable to observe no-smoking or no-barbecue areas indicated by signboards and avoid using these practices in them. Visitors can safeguard themselves as well as Croatia’s nature by following these precautions.
Risk of Wildfire in Portugal
Portugal is another European country that faces high wildfire risk, specifically between April and October when temperatures soar. Even the Foreign Office has given travel advice regarding visitation to Portugal, including how sudden and unpredictable wildfires can become and how quickly a situation can get out of hand. While well known for its beautiful beaches, ancient cities like Lisbon and Porto, and picturesque countryside, Portugal’s countryside, including its forests and fields, is most vulnerable to wildfire.
As with other countries in the Mediterranean, fires can start quickly and spread quickly in Portugal. Visitors should make sure that they check the fire risk index for their specific region before venturing out and are familiar with local emergency procedures. Visitors are cautioned by the Foreign Office to comply with orders issued by local authorities if a wildfire does start and to call the emergency services on 112 if they notice a fire.
Forest fires prevention law in Portugal is stringent, and visitors should be made aware that forest fires could intentionally or unintentionally have serious outcomes, such as imprisonment or a substantial fine. It’s illegal to start a fire, as per the Foreign Office, and visitors should refrain from activities, which can readily start a wildfire, such as disposing of cigarette butts on dry ground or having a barbecue in illegal locations.
Other than prevention of fires, travelers should also keep abreast of local news and websites for updates on active fires or evacuations. For updated information, visitors can use the Portuguese Met Office, which provides predictions and alerts for areas that are at risk of wildfires. By using the necessary precautions, visitors can enjoy everything that Portugal offers while still staying safe in the face of wildfire risks.
Risk of Wildfire in Greece
Greece, a country with stunning islands, ancient historical sites, and a deep culture, is a holiday destination in the summer that is susceptible to wildfires. A high risk alert has been issued by the Foreign Office to Greece during the summer months, particularly from April to October. Travelers to Greece should be cautious in understanding that there exists a high chance of wildfire during these months and should take special precautions before venturing into rural and forested areas.
As summers become hotter and drier in Greece, forest fires become a bigger risk. Conditions can change very quickly and fires can start unexpectedly and spread quickly due to dry undergrowth and windy conditions. Visitors are advised by the Foreign Office to sign up their mobiles with their local emergency warning system, which will alert them if fires are in their immediate area. This is a good idea particularly for visitors who stay in or near forested areas, as forest fires are more likely to occur there.
If you observe a wildfire in Greece, you should call 112 emergency services immediately. Special guidance on not causing a wildfire has been issued by authorities, including ensuring no glass is left behind, caring for cigarette buttts by extinguishing them properly, and not having barbecues in unauthorized areas. Visitors are reminded by the Foreign Office that intentionally causing a wildfire in Greece is a criminal offence, and accidental activity, such as inappropriately throwing a cigarette away, can result in criminal prosecution.
Greece has also experienced devastating wildfires recently, including a massive one on the island of Crete, during which more than 1,500 people were evacuated. Tourists in affected areas were advised to follow all instructions of local authorities, including evacuations, and not to drive through areas with active fires. Staying updated on local conditions through government and emergency websites can assist in ensuring one’s own safety.
Wildfire Risks in Turkey
Turkey, a country steeped in heritage and breathtaking landscape, also faces a rising risk of wildfires during its summers. Risks of wildfires have been noted by the Foreign Office on Turkey’s western coast as well, where extreme heat, wind, and humidity have created ideal conditions for fires to spread rapidly.
Tourists traveling to Turkey are advised to take precautions and abide by fire safety measures in areas that have been classified high risk. This includes observing warning boards showing no barbecuing, no smoking, or kindling fires in firefight-prone areas, particularly forest and woody zones. Visitors are reminded by the Foreign Office that whoever is found kindling a fire in these areas intentionally or unintentionally can face heavy legal consequences, including heavy fines or imprisonment.
In case of a wildfire, visitors can call Turkey’s emergency services on 112, the national emergency telephone number of Turkey. As with other countries most exposed to wildfire, visitors are also cautioned to stay updated on local news and to obey warnings by Turkish authorities regarding evacuations or closure of roads.
The high temperatures and wildfire risk are particularly concerning in regions like Izmir, which have had significant fires in the past. It is important for visitors to avoid affected areas and take other safety measures to protect themselves from wildfire risks, including going inside during high temperatures and avoiding high-risk areas.
Travel Insurance and Emergency Assistance
For travelers traveling to Croatia, Portugal, Greece, or Turkey, the Foreign Office suggests you purchase comprehensive travel cover that can protect you in the event of wildfire emergencies, including medical evacuations if required. You should ensure that your travel cover policy covers you in relation to wildfires because this will provide you with additional assurance in case of a crisis.
Additionally, travelers should also keep in touch with their tour operators in order to have information on potential disruptions or changes to their travel plans due to wildfire activity. If you find yourself in a location affected by a wildfire, you should call your insurer for guidance on what you should do and if they can assist with handling your case.
Conclusion
Touring countries like Croatia, Portugal, Greece, and Turkey during their summer periods can be a wonderful time, though one would do well to remember the risk of forest fires. These countries, well known for their natural beauty and old heritage sites, are also experiencing undue heat and dryness, and these are factors that increase the risk of forest fires. It is possible to find latest travel advice provided by the UK Foreign Office that assists visitors in making better decisions and feeling safe on a foreign holiday. It’s a good idea to take precautions, find out about local wildfire risk, and comply with local authorities’ recommendations in order to reduce the risk of falling victim to wildfires. Check our Foreign Office site for the latest information on travel risks and safety advice before you embark on your trip. Bon voyage!
