Greece fires: UK Government issues advice to British tourists as wildfires kill 74 people

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said most visits to the country – a popular destination for tourists from the UK – will not be affected by the wildfires which broke out on Monday. The FCO said: “On 23 and 24 July, there have been wildfires in a number of areas in southern Greece, including close to Athens. “They have been confined to limited areas, but within those the impact has been high, with significant loss of life. “Most visits to Greece, including to Athens, are unaffected. “You should keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of the Greek authorities in affected areas. “If you’ve been affected by the wildfires and need consular assistance, you can call the British Embassy in Athens on +30 210 7272 600. “If you’re in the UK and worried about a British national in Greece, call the FCO on 020 7008 1500.” The wildfires broke out in Mati, 18 miles from the country’s capital Athens. Homes, cars and forests in the area have been destroyed by the inferno. At least 187 people have been injured and the death toll is expected to rise. Greece’s Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has declared three days of national mourning. He said: “Greece is going through an unspeakable tragedy.” Cyprus, Spain, Italy, Croatia and Portugal have responded to Greece’s appeal for help to tackle the fires. French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted: “Our thoughts go to Greece and the victims of the terrible fires.” Pope Francis said he was deeply saddened by the tragedy and prayed for the victims and their families. The wildfires are Greece’s worst since August 2007 when flames spread through the southern Peloponnese peninsula, killing dozens.