“This is probably the most complicated blaze we have had on the Canary Islands, if not ever, in at least the last 40 years,” he told reporters. He said extreme temperatures on the island added to “specific meteorological conditions” caused by the fire that turned the area into a virtual oven.The main fire located in the north of the island, which is very popular among tourists. Mr Clavijo said the fire had a perimeter of almost 30 kilometres.
The blaze, which started on Tuesday night, is centered on a craggy, mountainous area, which is difficult for emergency brigades to access. Spanish authorities said their main goal is to contain the fire and prevent it from reaching more populated areas. The island’s main town, Santa Cruz, is 20 kilometres away from the flames.The wildfire is threatening six municipalities. Some 7,600 residents in the area have either been evacuated from their homes or ordered to stay indoors.
The fire could become Spain’s worst of the summer so far, as the country suffers another year of severe drought.that affected some 4,500 hectares . Wildfires have burned almost 64,000 hectares in Spain so far this year, according to Spanish government data – the third highest figure in the last decade.The Tenerife tourism office stressed in a statement on Thursday afternoon that the main tourist areas and cities of the island are away from the fire.
Business continues as usual in accommodation establishments, beaches and other tourist sites located in areas near the coast and in the midlands, the office said.But access to the Teide National Park, the most important tourist attraction in Tenerife after the beaches, closed to the public on Thursday at 6pm local time, said the Canary regional government.