The President of the Canary Islands Government, Fernando Clavijo, has acknowledged that the fire in Tenerife continues to burn out of control. As he has reported, it now has a perimeter of 41 kilometres and has destroyed 3,273 hectares.
Late last night he said: "The fire is still advancing and, although the defensive lines are beginning to have a bit of an effect, it is still out of control and with very complex characteristics. Temperatures are forecast to rise in Tenerife from Saturday, especially in some areas affected by the fire such as Arafo or Candelaria , so the next few hours will be crucial for the emergency services working on the ground.”
He also confirmed that it is now affecting eight municipalities: Arafo, Candelaria, Santa Úrsula, La Orotava, El Sauzal, La Matanza, La Victoria and El Rosario, and that more than 8,000 people have been evacuated from ‘danger’ areas.
The president of the Cabildo de Tenerife, Rosa Dávila, declared last night that the situation is ‘critical’ and is beyond the capacity to extinguish. However, she has assured that the left flank, which includes Candelaria-Arafo, is now advancing slower than before.
During the night, 226 troops continued working in the fight against the fire, focusing on the front that is advancing from Las Lagunetas towards La Esperanza.
Images of the fire in La Orotava last night.
All access roads to Teide that were closed last night will stay closed, and staff from the observatory, cable car, parador, and Las Lagunetas restaurants have all been evacuated.
Dávila emphasized that human safety is the number one priority, and that only a small number of people are staying in shelters provided as most are staying with family and friends.
More updates will follow after this morning's meetings between officials and the emergency services at 11:00am.
