British tourists urged to pack ‘grab bags’ as Europe’s wildfire crisis intensifies

British holidaymakers heading to southern Europe are being urged to prepare emergency “grab bags” and evacuation plans as unprecedented wildfires sweep across some of the continent’s most popular tourist destinations, exposing the growing challenge climate-related disasters pose to travellers and emergency services alike.

The British Red Cross has issued unusually direct advice for those travelling to France, Spain and Italy, warning that the scale and speed of this year’s fires mean tourists should be ready to leave at a moment’s notice rather than wait for official evacuation orders.

The guidance comes after tens of thousands of people were forced to flee resorts west of Bordeaux, where vast wildfires have consumed an area comparable in size to the Isle of Wight.

With flames advancing to within nine miles of the city, local authorities have warned they are preparing for “all eventualities.

The recommendations reflect a broader shift in Europe’s wildfire risk. What was once regarded as a seasonal hazard confined to isolated rural areas is increasingly threatening densely populated regions, transport networks and major tourist destinations as prolonged heatwaves and drought create ideal conditions for rapidly spreading fires.

Laura Scott, director of crisis response at the British Red Cross, said travellers should assume greater responsibility for their own safety as emergency services come under mounting strain.

Have an escape plan ready and be prepared to leave quickly in an emergency,” she said.

Scott described the blazes affecting France and Spain as among the largest in recent years, with hundreds of thousands of people displaced and emergency authorities deploying exceptional resources to contain fires fuelled by extreme heat and exceptionally dry conditions.

She warned that some emergency response systems were approaching the limits of their capacity, leaving little margin for delay if conditions deteriorate.

“You are always the first responder,” she said, urging tourists not to wait for formal evacuation instructions if they believe they are in immediate danger.

The charity has advised holidaymakers to prepare a readily accessible emergency bag containing passports, mobile phones, medication, cash and drinking water. Families are encouraged to agree evacuation routes in advance, particularly if members intend to spend time in different locations during the day.

Travellers using cars have also been advised to park facing an exit for a faster departure, while those driving near fire zones should keep windows closed and air conditioning switched off to reduce smoke exposure.

The warnings underline how climate-related disruption is becoming an increasingly significant consideration for Europe’s tourism industry. Successive years of record-breaking temperatures have extended wildfire seasons, increasing both the frequency and intensity of large-scale evacuations across the Mediterranean.

The financial implications are also becoming more apparent. Many travellers have discovered that standard travel insurance policies do not fully cover evacuation costs or disruption caused by natural disasters, leaving holidaymakers exposed to significant unexpected expenses.

For governments, insurers and the tourism sector, the latest fires offer another reminder that extreme weather is no longer an exceptional risk but an increasingly regular feature of the European summer, requiring both authorities and travellers to adapt accordingly.