Tenerife wildfire burns uncontrollably

Home > Industry Analysis > Content

【Summary】A wildfire in Spain's Tenerife has burned 2,600 hectares of land, forcing the evacuation of 300 people. Efforts to contain the fire have mobilized 250 firefighters and military personnel. The blaze has reached Mount Teide and closed off access to the area. The regional leader described it as the most complex fire in four decades. The authorities have evacuated around 3,800 individuals and taken precautions to protect vulnerable animals.

FutureCar Staff Aug 17, 2023 10:37 AM PT

A fierce wildfire has erupted in Tenerife, the largest of Spain's Canary Islands, causing widespread concern. The fire started in a mountainous national park and has quickly spread, consuming approximately 2,600 hectares (6,425 acres) of land since it began on Wednesday. The flames are advancing through the forest near the town of El Rosario, and the wildfire continues to burn on Tenerife.

The battle to contain the fire has mobilized around 250 firefighters and military personnel who are facing the unpredictable nature of the wildfire. The fire has grown to cover a distance of 31 kilometers (19 miles) across dry woodland, even encroaching on both sides of Mount Teide. As a result, five villages have been evacuated, and access to Mount Teide has been closed off.

Fernando Clavijo, the regional leader, has described the wildfire as the most complex fire the Canary Islands have faced in four decades. He acknowledges the challenges posed by the weather conditions but remains optimistic, expressing confidence that their relentless efforts will eventually conquer the blaze.

In a post on social media, Clavijo stated, "Despite the challenging conditions, our teams are giving their all to bring this blaze under control. We won't rest until it's safe."

As the wildfire continues to spread, authorities have made the difficult decision to evacuate approximately 3,800 individuals from the northeastern region of the island. Efforts to ensure their safety have included the precautionary evacuation of vulnerable dogs from a shelter to protect them from the harmful effects of the smoke. Civil protection officials are working tirelessly to remove residents from affected areas and provide support during this dangerous situation.

This devastating wildfire serves as a stark reminder of the increasing threat posed by climate change. A recent heat wave has made many areas of the Canary Islands susceptible to fast-spreading fires. This pattern reflects the global trend of extreme weather events, which have impacted regions across Europe and beyond. The wildfires in France, Italy, Algeria, Tunisia, Canada, and even Hawaii highlight the urgent need for coordinated efforts to combat and mitigate the effects of these disasters.

Also Read | Maui wildfires: NASA shares photos of the devastation from space

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON