Wildfires on Greek island of Rhodes force hundreds of holidaymakers to evacuate

Hundreds of holidaymakers have been forced to evacuate their hotels on the Greek island of Rhodes due to wildfires.

A blaze, which has been burning on the island for five days, has forced authorities to order an evacuation of four locations, including two seaside resorts.

The wildfire had been confined to the island’s mountainous centre, but aided by winds, high temperatures and dry conditions, it spread on Saturday toward’s the island’s central-eastern side.

Local media reported the fires had reached three hotels, which had already been evacuated.

Fire Service spokesman Yannis Artopios said on Saturday afternoon that residents of four localities were sent SMS messages to evacuate – in two places they were told to move to the north east and in two others to the south west.

Mr Artopios said that more than 200 firefighters and 40 fire engines were operating on the ground, assisted by three planes and five helicopters.

The force includes 31 firefighters from Slovakia, with five fire engines.

More to follow…