Travel expert Simon Calder has issued a stark warning to Brits heading to France, Italy, and Spain this summer: plan your evacuation in advance. With wildfires raging across Europe, he stressed that preparation "could make all the difference."
Wildfires disrupt European holidays
Large wildfires have been reported in France, Spain, Portugal, and Turkey. In south-west France, firefighters are battling a blaze covering an area four times the size of Paris, with temperatures forecast to reach 40°C. Thousands of residents and holidaymakers have been forced to flee, with some unable to return home for days.
On his Travel Expert with Simon Calder podcast, Calder said: "Wildfires raging across Europe, they have been all week. Italy, Spain and most profoundly in France, where in south-west France there has been absolute devastation."
What to do if you have a holiday booked
Calder noted that Bordeaux airport has been operating normally despite the fires. His co-host Greg Dickinson pointed out that if flights are running, refunds are unlikely. Package holidays offer more cancellation protection, but some companies allow flexibility for independent bookings, meaning you might change your flight or ferry date rather than get a refund.
Key advice from the British Red Cross
Calder shared advice from the British Red Cross: "Plan your evacuation in advance. The vast majority of people, this isn't going to happen to you, but work out where you are going to go." He added: "If you are going to be travelling with a family and doing different things during the day, work out how you are going to coordinate. Have a grab bag with your money, water, medication and passport by your bed. Make sure you have plans for a swift getaway, which means you have robust shoes by the bed so you can get out. Make sure your car is pointing towards the direction you want to go. If you have to reverse it, you can lose valuable seconds. Plan ahead."
He concluded: "It could make all the difference but in the vast majority of cases, you will be fine."
Government advice for affected countries
For France, the risk is highest in the south, particularly along the Mediterranean coast, Corsica, and south-west areas during hot, dry weather. Check the French weather service's fire alert map and monitor local advice, as conditions can change quickly.
In Spain, be aware of your environment in woodland areas and check the Spanish Meteorological Office (AEMET) for wildfire risk. In Italy, follow local authority advice, take care in woodland, and report fires to emergency services. Visit the Civil Protection Department for guidance.
