Thousands of people have been evacuated from the tourist hotspot.
Over 4,000 people have been evacuated from La Palma in Spain’s Canary Islands, as wildfire’s rage through the tourist hotspot.
According to officials, the fire has impacted an area roughly 11,000 acres in size, with dozens of homes already having been destroyed.
La Palma is one of eight members of the Canary Islands archipelago, and is a hugely popular destination for Irish holidaymakers.
“The fire has spread very fast… the fire is out control”, Canary Islands regional president Fernando Clavijo stated.
He also added that some people had not obeyed the evacuation order as they did not want to leave their homes, but the regional president pleaded for locals to put their safety first.
More than 2,000 people evacuated in the Canary Islands due to forest fire – El Pais. pic.twitter.com/P4XzRQlBk0
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Canary Islands battle wildfire:
Authorities have said that there are as many as 10 aircraft battling the blazes, with further water-dropping planes set to arrive on the island.
The main part of the fire is concentrated on the western side of La Palma island, burning through wooded and hilly terrain.
Puntagorda town mayor, Vicente Rodriguez, told media that he believed the fire started within his local area.
This wildfire coincides with one of Europe’s worst ever heatwaves, with Italy set to break its record temperature of 49 degrees today.
Moreover, Spain endured its hottest ever summer last year, resulting in a prolonged period of drought and creating conditions in which a wildfire can occur.
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