The observatory in La Palma is evacuated due to the proximity of the fire

After evaluating the advancement of the fire in La Palma, the authorities have evacuated the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory as a precautionary measure due to the proximity of the blaze, according to the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics (IAC).

The observatory is closed until further notice and the IAC have announced that access is prohibited to anyone who is not duly authorized, and members of the public are warned to stay away from the area.

A technical checkpoint will remain in the area to support the fire brigades if necessary. An IAC spokesperson said: "We hope that the fire will be controlled as soon as possible and we send our support to the entire affected population."

In the meantime, the latest satellite images from NASA show that the smoke from the fire is visible from space as it continues to intensify.