The wildfire on La Palma in Spain's Canary Islands on July 15, has led to the evacuation of over 2,000 people, as the blaze continues to spread out of control, reports VOA news. The fire has destroyed around a dozen homes and has affected an estimated area of 4,500 hectares (11,000 acres). Officials have expressed concerns about worsening conditions due to a heatwave that has left the terrain highly susceptible to fire.
Regional president Fernando Clavijo emphasised the urgency of evacuation and called for residents to prioritise their safety. He expressed particular apprehension about potential shifts in winds during the night, which could further complicate the evacuation efforts. Currently, 10 aircraft are engaged in firefighting operations, with additional water-dropping planes expected to arrive.
The wildfire outbreak comes almost two years after a volcanic eruption on La Palma caused significant devastation, burying thousands of buildings, plantations, roads, and irrigation systems. While this fire is in a different area than the volcanic eruption's direct impact zone, concerns about weather patterns influenced by climate change and below-average rainfall in recent years contribute to the heightened risk of wildfires.
The ongoing heatwave in southern Europe, coupled with Spain's record-breaking temperatures in recent years and a prolonged drought, raises concerns about the potential severity of the upcoming wildfire season. The Canary Islands, including La Palma, are particularly vulnerable to such incidents.
With a population of 85,000, La Palma is one of the Canary Islands located off the coast of Africa. The islands are approximately 100 kilometres (60 miles) away from Morocco.
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