LA PALMA: A massive wildfire has erupted in La Palma, one of the Canary Islands, prompting the evacuation of thousands of residents as emergency workers battle to control the blaze. The fire, which started early on Saturday, has already consumed approximately 4,500 hectares (11,100 acres) of land and destroyed at least a dozen homes.
Around 400 troops from various agencies are on the ground, working tirelessly to bring the wildfire under control. Although officials have successfully evacuated approximately 4,255 individuals, some residents are reluctant to leave their homes. Fernando Clavijo, president of the Canary Islands regional government, emphasized the importance of prioritizing lives over property, stating that “people come first, then the houses, and then extinguishing the fire.”
La Palma Wildfire and Ongoing Heatwave
The wildfire originated in the El Pinar area of the north-western municipality of Puntagorda before spreading towards the town of Tijarafe in the south. According to Mr. Clavijo, the fire’s rapid spread can be attributed to the prevailing wind, adverse climate conditions, and the ongoing heatwave.
While the fire’s progress has slowed, it remains uncontained. A seaplane was deployed to combat the flames before nightfall, and a second seaplane will join the operation on Sunday. The Spanish army has dispatched 150 firefighters to assist in the firefighting efforts, and additional units are expected to follow. The Red Cross has established a facility to provide support to the evacuees.
Spanish President Pedro Sánchez expressed his solidarity with the affected people and assured them that all necessary resources will be made available to the authorities in La Palma.
Despite the urgency of the situation, some residents have expressed resistance to evacuating. Leon Barreto, a local resident, voiced his reluctance, citing concerns about leaving behind a lifetime’s worth of belongings. He criticized the authorities for prioritizing protocol over individual circumstances.
The devastating wildfire comes amid a heatwave that has gripped southern Europe, bringing soaring temperatures to the region. Such periods of extreme heat are increasingly common globally due to the effects of climate change. Experts warn that these events are becoming more frequent, intense, and prolonged, underscoring the urgent need for climate action.
