As we reach nearer and nearer the cooler months of autumn, many like to head to Mediterranean countries to make the most of the sunshine before the gloomy weather sets in the UK.
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A popular destination at this time of year is Italyas the weather is still typically nice, there are fewer tourists and the heat isn’t as bad. However, a warning has been issued to anyone travelling to Italy as there have been reports of wildfires.
Wildfires are still present in certain regions
As reported by GB News, those travelling to Italy have been warned to check the local area of their destination and follow official advice as wildfires are still present. The FCO warned:
Forest fires are a risk during the extended summer months.
They explained that the main issue with forest fires is that they are ‘highly dangerous and unpredictable’. The FCO has asked those heading to Italy to check the latest weather forecasts and alerts if they are travelling to an affected region:
Check the latest alerts and weather forecasts and follow the advice of local authorities if you’re considering travelling to affected areas.
Take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas and report fires to the emergency services
Europe ravaged by wildfires summer 2023
On September 21, 2023, Sicily’s airport Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) had suspended flights until 5 pm that day due to the threat of nearby wildfires. Moreover, hundreds of tourists were evacuated from the well-known tourist resort of Cefalu, Sicily this summer due to the presence of wildfires.
As reported by the EU Science Hub, summer 2023 has seen the largest wildfire ever recorded in the EU. Indeed, in July, fires broke out in Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal. Then, August saw more wildfires for Greece, ‘which suffered the most devastating fire that ever occurred in the EU’.
Read more:
⋙ New study reveals which flights from the UK are likely to be delayed or cancelled
⋙ Major travel warning issued to anyone travelling to Spain until the end of the year
⋙ Brits given major travel warning as rules change for these popular holiday destinations
Sources used:
GB News: ‘Britons visiting Italy given travel warning over 'dangerous and unpredictable' threat’
Yahoo News: ‘Firefighters battle wildfires in Sicily’
EU Science Hub: ‘Wildfires in 2023: 41 % of the burnt area in the EU within Natura 2000 protected sites’
