- A forest fire broke out in the nature park around the Teide volcano on the Canary Island of Tenerife.
- The authorities ordered the evacuation of four villages.
- Around 250 firefighters, more than ten fire-fighting aircraft and helicopters are deployed to extinguish the flames in an area that is difficult to access.
Legend:
Several military services on the island are in action. They warn of the extreme drought.
REUTERS/Borja Suarez
“This fire has enormous potential, we have asked for additional support,” said Rosa Davila, President of Tenerife City Council. «It mainly affects the Corona Forestal (national park), there are a lot of pine trees and forests. It’s a steep area and planes are necessary.”
By early Wednesday morning, the fire that broke out Tuesday night had already devastated around 130 hectares near Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak. The roads to the mountains in the northeast of the island are closed.
Emergency services warn of extreme drought
As reported by Canarias Radio, fire-fighting helicopters flew over the area. The villages of Arrate, Chivisaya, Media Montaña and Ajafona were evacuated, it said.
Legend:
The firefighters are on duty day and night.
REUTERS/Borja Suarez
The Canary Islands have been hit by a heat wave in recent weeks. Rescue services warned that the drought increases the risk of forest fires.