Advice for Irish tourists going to wildfire-risk areas

The Irish Travel Agents’ Association (ITAA) has advice for Irish holidaymakers in areas affected by wildfires in Europe.

Since mid-July, fires in France, Spain, and Portugal have resulted in the evacuation of 300,000 people.

The fires have caused significant damage, with the Gironde region around Bordeaux being particularly affected.

French president Emmanuel Macron said the fires had created the “toughest” situation the country has dealt with since the Second World War.

Although the majority of holiday destinations continue to operate as normal, wildfires can develop rapidly and may lead to travel disruption, road closures, evacuations, and changes to transport services.

The ITAA is advising travellers to destinations impacted by wildfires to monitor local news and follow all instructions issued by local authorities, emergency services, accommodation providers, and tour representatives and to check the latest travel advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Register

Citizens can also register their stay abroad at citizensregistration.dfa.ie so that they can be contacted by the Irish embassy if there is a crisis.

They are also advised to keep their mobile phone charged, switched on, and roaming-enabled to receive emergency alerts from local authorities. They should also take out travel insurance at time of booking and ensure it has appropriate cover, including travel disruption.

It is also advised to keep passports, medication, travel documents, money, and essential belongings easily accessible in holiday accommodation.