The forest fire is still out of control and has affected over 5,000 hectares, although some of the defensive lines put in place for the extinction work are beginning to have results, according to the president of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo.
The fire now affects 11 municipalities of Arafo, Candelaria, Güímar, El Rosario, La Victoria, Santa Úrsula, La Orotava, La Matanza, El Sauzal, Los Realejos, and Tacoronte.
The helicopters and seaplanes watering the fire, that started in Monte de Arafo on Tuesday night, have carried out more than 1,700 water discharges dropping 2.7 million litres of water on the flames. Two more seaplanes and another cargo plane have arrived today (Saturday), so there are now 22 air resources working on the fire.
During the early hours of Saturday, firefighters faced significant challenges against the Tenerife fire, mainly due to unfavourable weather conditions, especially in terms of wind direction. This has forced new evictions to be carried out as a preventive measure.
At present, there are three main fronts: one in the Hoya Marcial that is burning slowly; another in Santa Úrsula with a slope in which it is impossible to put personnel due to the steepness of the terrain; and the front that has led to more evacuations during the last few hours.
Latest footage from the observatory at Mount Teide
Initially, the number of evacuees was 8,000 people up until last night, however, the latest information reveals that this figure has risen dramatically by another 2,600 people in all areas affected by the fire.
According to AEMET, there could be some rain in Tenerife tomorrow in the form of showers in the centre of the island, which would help with extinguishing works. The islands will also suffer from the presence of haze, mainly affecting the midlands and peaks.
As for temperatures, they are expected to remain unchanged or slightly increase, reaching or exceeding 34°C inland. The wind will blow predominantly from the east with intervals of greater intensity and variable direction at summits.
