Evacuations underway as wildfire ravages Spain’s Tenerife Island

A major wildfire has led to evacuations in five Tenerife villages, with firefighters grappling to contain the blaze amid challenging terrain. The fire's progression through woodlands near iconic Mount Teide highlights the region's susceptibility to wildfires due to dry climatic conditions. This incident echoes a broader trend of intensified wildfires linked to climate change.

Outlook International Desk

Updated on: 17 August 2023 2:27 pm

The wildfires in Tenerife have spread across 1,800 hectares

Evacuation efforts have started in five villages on the Spanish island of Tenerife affected by a major wildfire that spread to 1,800 hectares (4,450 acres) in 24 hours. The fire was reported to have started in a mountainous national park on the North East coast of the Island on Tuesday evening. On Wednesday morning, the settlements of Arrate, Chivisaya, Media Montana, Ajafoa, and Las Lagunetas were evacuated.

Ever since the forest fires started, firefighters have struggled to control the blaze in the midst of difficult geographical conditions, as the main blaze has spread mostly through woodland and ravines in the Candelaria and Arafo areas. The perimeter of the fire spread to 22 kilometers (14 miles) across dry woodland covering both flanks of steep ravines near Spain's highest peak, Mount Teide, obstructing access to the area. Local officials said they have closed all access to the forest surrounding Mount Teide, and secondary flames have erupted, they added.

"The fire is out of control... the outlook is not positive," said Fernando Clavijo, the region's leader, at an evening news conference in Tenerife's capital, Santa Cruz.

Photos have emerged which show large flames consuming major parts of the forests, and thick smoke plumes billowing into the sky. No major disruptions have happened to the operations of the North and South airports of Tenerife.

This wildfire comes a month after forest fires ravaged La Palma in the Canary Islands last month. The risk of wildfires in the Canary Islands increased significantly as the island faced its worst heat wave.

Wildfires have ravaged parts of Europe, the Mediterranean, Hawaii, and Canada this summer, reflecting the increased frequency attributed to catastrophic climate changes. Rising global temperatures, currently up 1.1 degrees Celsius since the industrial age's onset, necessitate substantial emissions reductions by global governments to mitigate further warming.

Tenerife, a captivating Spanish island, is renowned for its diverse landscapes and vibrant culture. Nestled in the Canary Islands, it boasts a mix of beautiful beaches, lush forests, and the iconic Mount Teide. However, the island battles periodic wildfires due to its arid climate. With hot, dry summers and mild winters, Tenerife's climatic conditions create a fire-prone environment.