Firefighters combat major wildfire in Tenerife

Home > Industry Analysis > Content

【Summary】Firefighters in Spain are battling a major wildfire in the tourist island of Tenerife. The fire, which started on Tuesday, has led to the evacuation of over 4,500 people and the confinement of thousands more. The steep and difficult terrain, along with dense smoke and high temperatures, have made it challenging for firefighters to control the blaze. The fire has scorched over 3,200 hectares of land and is said to be the worst in 40 years.

FutureCar Staff Aug 18, 2023 8:39 AM PT

Firefighters combat major wildfire in Tenerife

Firefighters in Spain's Canary Islands are currently battling a severe wildfire on the main tourist island of Tenerife. The fire, which started on Tuesday, has led to the evacuation of over 4,500 people and the confinement of thousands more in eight municipalities. So far, there have been no reported injuries. The fire is located in a steep and difficult-to-access mountain area, making it challenging for firefighters to contain the flames.

Television footage and social media videos have shown the flames approaching houses in small neighborhoods, with a massive cloud of smoke rising from the affected area. The high temperatures have posed additional difficulties for firefighters, as the water being dumped on the flames evaporates before reaching the ground. The dense smoke has also impaired visibility and hindered the efforts of water-carrying aircraft.

The wildfire has already scorched more than 3,200 hectares (7,900 acres) of land. The Canary Islands, like mainland Spain, have been experiencing drought conditions for the past few years, resulting in below-average rainfall. This, coupled with changing weather patterns influenced by climate change, has contributed to the severity of the fire.

Efforts to contain the fire are crucial, according to Regional President Fernando Clavijo. The air quality in several municipalities remains hazardous, and vulnerable individuals are advised to stay indoors. Although the most important tourist areas are far from the fire, access to the Teide National Park and tourist facilities in the Teide volcano area have been closed and evacuated.

The fire on Tenerife is considered the worst in 40 years, and Spain has been the most affected EU country by wildfires this year, with 75,000 hectares (185,000 acres) burned. The Canary Islands, located off the northwest coast of Africa, have been a popular tourist destination, but the fire has not significantly impacted the main tourist sites near the coast and in the midlands.