Terrifying moment fire rips through Greek island – sending tourists and animals fleeing

Holidaymakers were left fleeing a hotel in Greece after a huge fire ripped through a popular tourist town yesterday (12 September).

The terrifying incident took place in a small village of Skala in Kefalonia – a place popular with holidaymakers.

In shocking footage captured by local homeowner Richard Joseph, who is from the UK, blazing flames can be seen in the distance as it rages through the land.

Thick smoke fills the air whilst firefighters tackle the fire.

Holiday goers can be seen standing by and watching the fire grow, as they decide whether or not they should flee the blaze.

“What should we do?” one woman can be heard saying in the background.

Luckily, no one was hurt in the fire, and the buildings surrounding the blaze were only slightly damaged.

Firefighters were able to get the fire under control and all of the guests were able to safely return to their hotel.

Airtankers were out the following morning to prevent the fire from restarting.

It is not yet clear what started the blaze.

“Pelagos Bay Hotel guests were evacuated, and their animals were also moved like a zoo!” Richard told NeedToKnow.online.

“The wind was blowing it down the hill, so at this point they evacuated the hotel. The guests went towards the beach front hotels.

“They moved the guests into the main foyer and restaurant area until the fire brigade had safely got the fire under control just before reaching the hotel.

“The mountain is full of firemen now and it looks like a forensic team is near where it started.

“The houses up the hill were in danger but the firefighters stopped them getting damaged.

“Just a few burnt sunbeds and damage due to the smoke and soot falling.

“The firefighters were hosing the villas behind Waves bar as the fire went towards them downhill.

“The firemen were here all night and are still here now checking it doesn’t restart.

“I can’t praise the services enough, both local volunteers and professionals for their military precision at tackling the fire. Extraordinary!”