Holidaymaker describes “chaotic” hotel fire as lawyers investigate blaze at Turkish resort

Fiona Simmons and her family had only just checked into the five-star Grand Yazici Club Marmaris Palace in the early hours of 4 April 2025 when a fire broke out in the main hotel building, prompting the emergency evacuation of more than 600 guests. 

The incident was the subject of an episode of Rip Off Britain, airing on Friday 16 January 2026, where Fiona appeared to share her experience and the ongoing challenges faced by those affected by the fire. 

Reports indicate that at least six people required hospital treatment for smoke inhalation, while many others suffered significant emotional and psychological distress. 

Guests reported a lack of working fire alarms, sprinklers or emergency lighting, as well as an uncoordinated evacuation with minimal input from hotel staff. The fire is believed to have started in the boiler room. 

Fiona, who has been in contact with law firm Leigh Day to explore options for pursuing a claim for personal injury, says her family were only made aware of the fire by the sound of people screaming outside. They were eventually relocated to a sister hotel nearby, after escaping with their young children and spending hours outside in their nightclothes with no official guidance. 

Fiona, who lives with her family in Hertfordshire, said: 

“We’d arrived at the hotel just hours earlier and had only just gone to sleep when we were woken by screaming and banging. My partner opened the balcony door and saw a huge plume of smoke just metres from our room. We grabbed our kids and ran. 

“There were no fire alarms, no emergency lighting, and no official direction from staff, just panic. Although we managed to escape, the emotional and psychological toll was huge. Our children were frightened, we were left in the dark, literally and figuratively, and there was no proactive communication or care from the hotel or tour operator. It was utter chaos. 

“The following day, my partner was authorised to go back into the building to collect our things. When he entered the room, he saw the beds our children had been sleeping in just hours earlier were blackened by smoke. That image will stay with him forever. What was meant to be a relaxing family break became a nightmare.” 

Fiona says attempts to raise concerns and seek support were met with silence. She attempted to contact Jet2 through its WhatsApp service on the night of the fire but received no meaningful response.  

Despite her repeated efforts in the days that followed, including direct complaints to staff at the resort, she says she was met with vague answers and a lack of action. Eventually, only after insisting, the family’s smoke-damaged clothes were washed, but no broader support was offered. 

Fiona says it was only after returning to the UK when she received a call from Jet2 checking in with her family. She says she has written to Jet2 on several occasions, asking why the fire system failed, but has yet to receive a response.  

Fiona has since submitted a complaint to ABTA. 

Lawyers at Leigh Day are investigating possible legal claims for compensation on behalf of holidaymakers, many of whom have received inconsistent levels of support or financial offers in the aftermath of the incident. 

Colin Murphy, partner in Leigh Day’s international travel litigation team, said: 

“This was a terrifying and traumatic experience for many holidaymakers who were simply trying to enjoy a well-earned break. We are hearing from individuals who sustained both physical injuries and psychological trauma as a result of the fire and the apparent lack of effective emergency response by the hotel. 

“We are currently gathering evidence and speaking to witnesses to determine whether there were any failures in fire safety procedures or building standards. If breaches are found, those affected may be entitled to compensation for the harm they suffered.” 

Leigh Day is encouraging anyone affected by the fire at the Grand Yazici Club Marmaris Palace to contact its international personal injury team at gyclaim@leighday.co.uk