Evacuated Swedes to return after Greek fires
Swedish tourists evacuated after forest fires on the Greek island of Samos are set to return to their hotels on Tuesday as the emergency services regained control of the situation.
"The fires are not in the vicinity of the village any more," said Eva Olivcrona at travel operator Fritidsresor, which has 137 holidaymakers in the village of Votsalakia on Samos' west coast.
The fire, which started in a nearby ravine, is according to news agency AFP under control and fire services will spend the day extinguishing embers and isolated outbreaks.
Once the village has been cleared of debris the tourists will be able to return to their hotels and continue their holidays.
"We hope that they will be able to come back to their hotels during the day," Olivcrona said.
Apollo also evacuated tourists from Votsalakia, and according to Kajsa Moström at the firm it is not yet clear when they can return.
137 Swedes were evacuated on Monday evening from their hotels as the fires, some 500 metres from the village, were considered to threaten their safety. The tourists were housed in alternative hotel accommodation.
The fire is reported to be the second to have broken out on the island of Samos within a week as high temperatures and dry weather exacerbate seasonal risks.
There are no reports of anyone having been hurt in connection with the fires or evacuations.
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"The fires are not in the vicinity of the village any more," said Eva Olivcrona at travel operator Fritidsresor, which has 137 holidaymakers in the village of Votsalakia on Samos' west coast.
The fire, which started in a nearby ravine, is according to news agency AFP under control and fire services will spend the day extinguishing embers and isolated outbreaks.
Once the village has been cleared of debris the tourists will be able to return to their hotels and continue their holidays.
"We hope that they will be able to come back to their hotels during the day," Olivcrona said.
Apollo also evacuated tourists from Votsalakia, and according to Kajsa Moström at the firm it is not yet clear when they can return.
137 Swedes were evacuated on Monday evening from their hotels as the fires, some 500 metres from the village, were considered to threaten their safety. The tourists were housed in alternative hotel accommodation.
The fire is reported to be the second to have broken out on the island of Samos within a week as high temperatures and dry weather exacerbate seasonal risks.
There are no reports of anyone having been hurt in connection with the fires or evacuations.
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