FLEEING FIRE HELL

HOLIDAY DREAMS IN RUIN AS RHODES STILL BURNS | Brits tell of escape from island ravaged by inferno | Blaze leaves tragic trail of devastation at hols resorts

- LUCY THORNTON

THE wildfires raging across Rhodes have left scenes of utter devastation in their wake, with hotels, bars and homes destroyed.

And Brits last night told how they fled for their lives as the flames raced towards them while thick smoke filled the scorching summer air.

The Mirror yesterday visited the devastated south of Rhodes to be met with scenes resembling a war zone.

Melted sunbeds, charred decking and beach bars reduced to twisted metal frames are all that remain of some popular spots that were thronging with tourists just days ago.

In the foyer of a hotel abandoned by Brits stand dozens of their ash-coated suitcases. Only the metal holders of a beach full of straw umbrellas were left in front of the Paralia Glistra restaurant and bar near Katari. The atrium of the luxury Rodos Princess Hotel had melted and windows blown out, as flipflops, prams and armbands had been left behind in the rush to escape.

As mercy flights arrived to fly Brits home, desperate locals continued the battle to save their island.

Around 2,500 people were also evacuated from Corfu due to wildfires and authorities last night warned Crete could be the next island hit.

Tourists told how they had to run for up to three hours to flee the flames, with around 19,000 moved from the danger areas in the biggest evacuation in Greek history.

Martin Garbett, 52, and Kim Gravenor, 51, from Louth, Lincs, told how they feared they were going to die when a boat trip turned to disaster.