Cockermouth family caught up in terrifying Rhodes wildfires

British tourists described 'terrifying' scenes of turmoil as the five-day fire continues to rage, with power cuts causing 'chaos' and an absence of information from travel agencies.

In previous days the wildfire was confined to the island’s mountainous centre, but aided by winds, very high temperatures and dry conditions, it spread on Saturday towards the coast on the island’s central-eastern side.

Local media reported the fires had reached three hotels, which had already been evacuated, while three coast guard vessels, plus one from the army, were evacuating people from two beaches.

Corinne Watson, 42, who is holidaying with her husband and two sons, told the PA news agency she had only received one automated text message from Tui, telling her they were 'sorry for any disruptions'.

Fires on the island of Rhodes (Image: Argyris Mantikos/Eurokinissi via AP)

The Cockermouth mother-of-two said: “Our hotel has accepted some evacuees and hosted a few while other accommodation was found.

“Power losses affecting the kitchens has caused chaos but hotel staff are working exceptionally hard to manage the situation – they must be very worried for their island.

“Hotel staff [are] working flat out under desperate worry.”

The response of the Greek Military, Navy and Red Cross along with the young people manning the rescue centre or the volunteers driving people to safety has been phenomenal #Rhodes #rhodesfire 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

— Corinne Watson (@CorinneJulia) July 23, 2023

However, she said Tui had offered a 'poor service' with no information on whether her area was safe or what to do in the event of an evacuation.

Ms Watson, a local government worker, added: “Today the sky has rarely been blue and we have had the water planes above us frequently collecting from the sea.

“Getting information is very difficult.

“Currently we are lucky, in a lovely hotel and hope it stays that way.

“For others, both tourists and locals, it is awful and terrifying. I hope they bring them under control quickly with limited damage.”

A Tui spokeswoman said they are 'continuing to do all they can in a fast moving situation' and had representatives at evacuation points.

She said: “We’re closely monitoring the situation in Rhodes where wildfires have led to the evacuation of a number of hotels in the South of the island.

“Our resort teams are doing everything they can to support customers and asking them to follow the advice of the local authorities who we are working closely with.

Smoke-filled skies over an island paradise (Image: PA)

“Our main priority is always the safety of our customers and we’ll continue to do all we can to assist those impacted.”

There will be a brief respite in the heatwave on Monday, but it will resume on Tuesday and could last until at least Friday, meteorologists have said.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly tweeted: “The safety of British Nationals is our top priority. I encourage those in Rhodes, and those with family and friends there, to continue checking FCDO travel advice for updates.”

The Foreign Office updated its foreign travel advice on the heatwaves and wildfires in Europe.

A burned out car on the island (Image: PA)

It said: “If you are a British national affected by wildfires in Rhodes, please follow the guidance from the emergency services. Call the Greek emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger.

“The Greek government has established a crisis management Unit to facilitate the evacuation of foreign citizens from Rhodes. They can be contacted on +30 210 368 1730. For 24/7 British consular assistance, call +4420 7008 5000.

“If you are planning to travel to Rhodes, please check with your travel operator or hotel prior to travel that the area you plan to visit is not impacted by the current wildfires.”

Fire Service spokesman Yannis Artopios said that firefighting forces from eight EU countries are either operating or due to arrive soon.

Israel, Jordan and Turkey have also sent reinforcements, mostly aerial equipment.