Tenerife wildfires lead to evacuation of villages

By James Gregory
BBC News
August 16, 2023
Category: Forest Fires
Region: International

A major wildfire on the Spanish island of Tenerife has led to the evacuation of five villages. The fire has spread some 8 sq km (800 hectares) since it started in a nature reserve on the north-east coast of the island late on Tuesday evening. Local authorities have cut off access to the forest around the Mount Teide volcano, Spain’s highest peak, and say secondary fires have now broken out. Helicopters spraying water have been seen flying over the area. The main blaze is spreading through woodland and ravines in the Candelaria and Arafo areas, making it difficult for firefighters to tackle. Rosa Davila, president of the Tenerife Council, said aircraft were necessary because it was a steep area. …Photos show large flames engulfing parts of the forest, and thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky.

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