Massive wildfires in Greece: Heroic rescues and evacuations

Steven

Hey Stephany, did you see that there have been massive wildfires in Greece? It's really devastating.

Stephany

Yes, I read about it. Around 19,000 people have been evacuated from a popular holiday resort in Rhodes. The fires have been spreading since last week.

Steven

It's awful. I saw this article about a man named Jonathan Lewis from Attleborough who helped rescue families on Rhodes. He was on vacation with his family and decided to assist when he saw the smoke.

Stephany

That's incredible. He drove through the smoke and picked up a fleeing family, taking them to a hotel for refuge. He made multiple round trips, helping as many people as he could. It must have been terrifying for everyone involved.

Steven

Absolutely. He described it as driving into "the end of the world." The flames were so intense, and people were just standing in the middle of the road, not knowing what to do.

Stephany

It's heartbreaking to hear about the Austrian man who put his wife and children on a boat to safety, only to watch it disappear into the smoke. The whole situation sounds chaotic.

Steven

It really does. And it's not just Rhodes. Corfu has also been affected, with around 2,500 people being evacuated. The fires have caused the biggest evacuation in Greek history.

Stephany

I hope everyone manages to find safety. It's good to see that some holiday firms are offering assistance, like Jet2 and Tui canceling flights to Rhodes to evacuate tourists.

Steven

Yes, it's important for the airlines to prioritize the safety of their passengers. British Airways is also allowing people to postpone their trips or return earlier if they're already there.

Stephany

It's a relief to see that they're taking these measures. These wildfires are a reminder of the destructive power of nature.

Steven

Definitely. It's a tragedy, but it's also inspiring to see people like Jonathan Lewis stepping up to help others in need.

Stephany

Absolutely. We should all do what we can to support those affected by the wildfires. Speaking of which, I have to go. I must volunteer at a local relief center.