The forest fire that started in Candelaria and Arafo in Tenerife almost 24 hours ago, continues to burn and spread out of control, now covering 1,800 hectares of dry pine forest with a perimeter of 22 kilometres.
There are several fronts that it is advancing from having crossed the ridge and now heading to the north of the island, another front is closer to the houses in Candelaria, and another is heading in the direction of Güímar.
The most lively part of the fire is in the pine forest, and in the forest crown, as firefighters try to protect residential and agricultural areas.
Firemen on their way to the blaze in Candelaria.
These are all places with very difficult access, which is why the government has requested the support of seaplanes from mainland Spain, which will start watering the fire tomorrow morning (Thursday).
Today there have been 13 helicopters operating from the air trying to drop as much water as they can onto the heart of the fire, but one of the problems they have experienced is that it is burning so hot because everything is so dry from the heatwave, that the water is evaporating either before or as soon as it hits the flames, having minimal effect on them.
Access roads to the mountain areas continue to be closed in the area and guarded by the police, and people are being told not to try and access the area under any circumstances. More people and animals, including horses and livestock, have been evacuated down the mountain to temporary accommodation as it is unknown how far the fire will spread during the night.
More than 200 troops from emergency resources, fire consortium, and the military will continue to try and contain the fire throughout tonight hoping that the wind will either drop or change direction as this is their main enemy at the moment.
AEMET have confirmed that weather conditions have been in the Three30s which are rife for forest fires:
· Temperatures above 30°C
· Humidity below 30%
· Winds above 30km/h.
