“It’s the worst wildfire for 40 years” is how Canarian President Fernando Clavijo described the blaze in Tenerife that has led to 7,600 local residents being evacuated to temporary accommodation.
The fire, which started in Arafo in the northern part of Tenerife on Tuesday, had destroyed 3,200 hectares and reached a perimeter of 40 kilometres (25 miles) last night. Despite the efforts of 250 firefighters, with emergency back up and 17 aircraft including hydroplanes, it remains “out of control” and could threaten the capital of the island, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 20 miles away.
Efforts of firefighters are currently focused on controlling the fire and preventing its spread to built-up areas. Dry conditions and winds have meant that ashes and burning material is spreading the fire unpredictably, and the forecast of higher temperatures for the weekend is a further source of concern.
For regular updates, pictures and videos of Lanzarote be sure to like and follow our Facebook page “Gazette Life Lanzarote”.
