4,000 evacuated in Canary Island fire
A fierce forest fire fanned by high winds has forced the evacuation of around 4,000 residents on the south-eastern tip of the Canary Island of La Palma.
The cause of the fire is unknown but several days of high temperatures have contributed to dry conditions on the normally verdant island off north-west Africa.
Virtually all of the island’s firefighting forces including six helicopters have been deployed to combat the blaze at three points around the town of Fuencaliente.
The regional government has asked mainland Spain for help.
The Interior Ministry said that 52 people were evacuated by boat from an area known for rare Canary pine forests and vineyards.
