Brits urged to pack ‘wildfire grab bags’ after Europe resorts are evacuated – so what is one and how should you pack it?

WILDFIRES are spreading rapidly across Europe affecting countries like France, Greece and Spain. Holidays have not been cancelled as flights are still going ahead – but tourists have been warned they should be prepared for sudden evacuation. Tourists have been urged to pack go bags as wildfires continue across Europe Credit: REUTERS Officials say keep essentials in an easy to grab bag whilst on your holiday Credit: Alamy Laura Scott, director of crisis response at the British Red Cross, told The Telegraph that tourists should “have an escape plan ready and be prepared to leave quickly in an emergency. She added: “Fires can move incredibly quickly – far quicker, sometimes, than we can walk, run, or drive. If you’ve been told to leave, then you should move off immediately.” Sign up for the Travel newsletter Thank you! She continued: “If you’re not trained and equipped to fight a wildfire, do not try. Don’t put your life at risk. Leave immediately; delay could be deadly.” If you’re heading to a destination that’s considered a high risk spot, or even if you aren’t, it’s important to have a grab bag in case of sudden evacuation. In one case, tourists surrounding Bordeaux were alerted to the wildfire emergency via text in the early morning. Villages were quickly evacuated in Crete as the fires spread quickly due to high winds. So, it’s important to have everything you need in one easy to grab bag, just in case. As for what you need to pack, essentials include important documents like passports and copies of travel insurance. Most read in Travel Pack credit cards and cash as well as any medications and hygiene products. If you’re a glasses wearer – pack a spare pair, and spare contact lenses. There remains a high risk of wildfires in parts of Spain, France and Greece Credit: Reuters Electricals like phones are an essential, so make sure to pack a charger as well as a portable power bank if you have one. Pack some bottled water, and snacks like energy bars. If you’re travelling as a family, make sure you have other supplies if you need them like nappies, formula and spare bottles. Even though Europe is experiencing high temperatures, pack some long sleeve clothing and comfortable footwear, like trainers. If you want more advice before you travel, here are updates on Turkey and Crete amid the wildfires. Comment now