Foreign Office issues warning to Brits heading to Turkey over behaviour that could lead to 'prison sentences'

Daily Mail​

08-07-2025

Tourists visiting a popular Mediterranean hotspot this summer are being strongly warned against discarding cigarette butts, as this act can easily spark wildfires, especially during the hot and dry summer months.
The Foreign Office is urging visitors to be extremely cautious while holidaying in Turkey to extinguish cigarettes properly, dispose of them responsibly, and be aware of fire risk areas.
It comes as scorching heatwaves blighting Europe is causing major disruption as wildfires continue to devastate popular holiday resorts and ground flights.
Sweltering temperatures exceeded 40C (104F) across much of southern Europe over in late June, with firefighters rallying to tackle blazes across the drying continent.
Greece and Turkey have been hit hard by wildfires, causing chaos for tourists as hundreds of passengers were left stranded.
A huge fire ripped through the popular resort of Foça, İzmir, in Turkey before strong winds fanned the flames and sent it towards neighbourhoods and residential areas on Sunday, 29 June.
In the wake of the blaze, flights at İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport had closed temporarily as of 4pm local time.
Residents watched in horror as their homes went up in flames while firefighters spent more than 22 hours tackling the huge blaze across İzmir. Around 550 residents were evacuated from some 175 homes in Ilıpınar, Foça.
It comes as scorching heatwaves blighting Europe is causing major disruption as wildfires continue to devastate popular holiday resorts and ground flights (Pictured: Cesme district of Izmir, Turkiye July 03, 2025)
Firefighters continue to extinguish fires broke out in the forest area in Buca district of Izmir, Turkiye on July 4, 2025
Though the fire is suggested to have been caused by a high-voltage power line, local authorities are now urging tourists visiting the region to remain vigilant while smoking cigarettes or lighting barbeques.
Discarding cigarettes can ignite fires as filters can smoulder and easily start a fire in dry vegetation.
Barbecues, especially disposable types, can pose a significant fire risk in woodlands due to the heat they retain after use, the potential for embers to be carried by the wind, and the dry conditions that often prevail in wooded areas during warm days.
In new travel information shared by the Foreign Office on July 4, officials shared: 'You could get a fine or prison sentence for lighting a fire of any kind or discarding cigarettes in risk areas such as woodland.'
Both locals and tourists are advised to keep a watchful eye out for signs that strictly prohibit smoking, barbeques and the ignition of fires in the area.
Should an individual encounter a fire or smoke, they are urged to call emergency services on 112, Turkey's primary emergency number , which can connect callers to police, fire, medical and other services.
For holidaymakers who are planning on visiting European countries this summer, it's advised research destinations and get appropriate travel insurance, travelling against official advice, such as ignoring fire safety warnings, could invalidate insurance.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) offers further advice about risks of travel for Brits unsure of laws and rules when travelling abroad.
It comes as British holidaymakers are facing even more woe in Spain as the government proposes a smoking ban on terraces and open-air nightclubs.
Spain's Ministry of Health is preparing a law to extend smoke-free spaces to terraces, bus stops, work vehicles, uni campuses, communal swimming pools and open-air nightclubs.
The latest measure, confirmed by Spain's minister of health Mónica García today, was borne out of an anti-smoking plan approved by autonomous communities at the Interterritorial Council of the National Health System, which sought to expand smoke-free zones across Spain.
The draft bill will need to be approved by Spain's Council of Ministers before it is sent to the Cortes Generales, the country's parliament.