‘I own a hotel in burning Rhodes – I’m too scared to sleep in case fire arrives’
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A British hotel owner on the wildfire-hit island of Rhodes, Greece, has told of the utter chaos and panic caused by the blaze – and fears for the safety of her own family.
The Rhodes fire is one of many to hit the country as it battles a scorching 40C heatwave, leaving hundreds of Brits stranded.
Since the blaze started five days ago, local firefighters have struggled to control it and winds blast it towards popular resorts.
READ MORE: Rhodes wildfires force 10,000 tourists to flee resorts as sky turns orange
Rhodes hotel owner Victoria Chantelle Kilby, 35, told the Daily Star: "I don’t want to go to sleep because I’m scared.
"If the wind changes direction and the fire gets closer whilst we are sleeping how do I get my babies out?"
It was reported that the airport had closed, but incoming flights are still happening, and many people are being evacuated via boat.
Hotels and resorts are also evacuating people, but leaving them with nowhere to go.
Leeds-born mother-of-two Victoria has opened her hotel doors to anyone who needs shelter – including a family of eight sleeping on just one bed.
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Speaking exclusively to the Daily Star from the Sea View Studios in Tholos, she said: “Aircrafts are still coming and bringing people in.
“This is bad as most of the people's hotels have been evacuated and have no where to sleep. “Everywhere is fully booked – I own a hotel and some rooms and I have a family of eight staying at my apartment with only one bed.
“It’s better then then sleeping rough, but with no water or electric.
“We are fully booked but we have offered people to come use sun beds and sleep by the pool, and we are offering water and blankets and anything we can.
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“The island has come together, everyone is doing their best to help but I fear it will not be enough – I think our island will burn tonight and I have no idea where everyone will go.
Around 200 emergency service personnel are tackling the blaze, with the army also being brought in to help.
Travel companies Jet2 and TUI have advised those on the island to contact them for help, but it is feared that help might not come in time as the fire grows larger.
And the ever-increasing nature of the blaze is worrying Victoria, who is too scared to sleep in case of the need to evacuate.
She explained: “When you are driving it the car it looks like a volcano is exploding.
“I’d like to pack a bag if we need to leave fast, even though it is far away from us and can still be seen lighting up the skies.
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“I’m scared about all the wildlife, peoples houses, businesses and of course, human life.
“Everyone in Rhodes is mourning our beautiful island.
“It’s beautiful and emotional how everyone is trying to help each other.
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“I wish I could go out and fight it with everyone else but this is all I could think of – we need help.
So far, no deaths have been reported by officials, but a rescue operation is still continuing.
The UK Government has issued a statement on the situation saying: "If you are a British national affected by wildfires in Rhodes, please follow the guidance from the emergency services. Call the Greek Emergency Services on 112 if you are in immediate danger."
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