Urgent travel warning to Brits holidaying near wildfire-hit tourist hotspot as expert warns ‘you may have to leave’
BRITS on holiday near a wildfire-hit tourist hotspot have been given an urgent warning and told they "may have to leave".
Concern has spread over the potential danger that comes with the glorious weather the sunseekers enjoy so much.
Turkey is experiencing a surge in temperatures with Antalya set to hit highs of 37C this week.
Although this is welcome news for those wishing to exchange Britain's unpredictable weather to bask in the heat - the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has issued a stark warning.
The FCO's latest travel advice says: "Extreme temperatures can affect many areas of Turkey over the summer months."
"Brits abroad are urged to follow NHS guidelines on dealing with the heat, which include staying hydrated and limiting exposure to the sun."
read more on wildfires
The Express reports that the sunny weather brings an increased threat of wildfires - a phenomenon already causing havoc across Europe.
Turkey has witnessed 74 wildfires this year, destroying around 31,900 acres of land, according to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), as per the Express.
The FCO cautions: "Wildfires happen frequently in Turkey during summer," and advises travellers to keep abreast of the situation through local news and authority updates.
"You could get a fine or prison sentence for lighting a fire of any kind or discarding cigarettes in risk areas such as woodland.
"Barbecues are prohibited in these areas."
It added: "If there is a wildfire in your area, local authorities may tell you to leave your accommodation.
"Follow the directions of local authorities. If you see a wildfire, call emergency services on 112."
The unpredictability of wildfires means it's important for travellers to have insurance that covers natural disasters or emergencies, which could save them from financial loss if their holiday is disrupted or cut short.
It comes as last year wildfires in central Greece reached an ammunition dump and blasted a huge fireball into the air.
Strong winds whipped the fires across the Volos region, where they triggered a series of violent explosions near to an air force base that turned the sky blood red.
