Ten thousand now evacuated because of Canary Island wildfires

Ten thousand now evacuated because of Canary Island wildfires
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By h.b. - Jul 31, 2007 - 12:28 PM

A satellite image clearly showing the smoke from the fires on the Canary Islands - Photo EFE

Two main islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife are affected by the blazes as high temperatures continue

More than 10,000 people have now been evacuated from their homes on the Canary Islands as the forest fires continue in ongoing high temperatures over 40 degrees, complete with low humidity.

The Canary Island President, Paulino Rovero, said the fire had now forced the evacuation of 4,200 people on Tenerife and 5,200 on Gran Canaria.

The flames have now affected 10,000 hectares on Gran Canaria and an area of more than 13,000 hectares has been zoned off on Tenerife, but not all that area has been burned.

A new fire also broke out on La Gomera in the early hours of today, leading to several dwellings being evacuated.

3,200 people were evacuated overnight from San Bartolomé de Tirajana where work continues to ensure the flames do not reach up to the Pozo de las Nieves where many of the communications antennas are located. There is also concern for the dam at Ayagarues.

On Tenerife the most active fronts now threaten Garachico, El Tanque, Santiago del Teide and part of Icod de los Vinos.
A firebreak set to the north has halted the fire’s progress there.

Winds of 45-65 km/hour are continuing in the area, as some 300 firefighters continue to fight the blaze using 34 vehicles, 5 helicopters and a fire fighting plane.

The Environment Minister, Cristina Narbona will arrive on Tenerife later today, travelling from Gran Canaria where she has been seeing the effects of the fires for herself.

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