A major wildfire on the Spanish island of Tenerife has forced the evacuation of five villages and is causing significant damage to the local area. The fire started in a nature reserve on the north-east coast of the island and quickly spread, covering approximately 8 sq km (800 hectares). Local authorities have cut off access to the forest around Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, and have stated that secondary fires have broken out in the area. Firefighting efforts are hindered by the challenging terrain of woodland and ravines.
The president of the Tenerife Council, Rosa Davila, has requested additional resources to combat the blaze due to the steepness of the affected area. Helicopters have been deployed to spray water over the affected areas, but the fire still presents a significant threat. As a result, the villages of Arrate, Chivisaya, Media Montaña, Ajafoña, and Las Lagunetas had to be evacuated. The safety of the affected residents is the primary concern for the authorities involved.
The pictures of the wildfire reveal large flames engulfing parts of the forest and the thick plumes of smoke spreading into the sky. Despite these devastating effects, Tenerife’s South and North airports have not experienced any disruptions to their arrivals or departures as of Wednesday evening.
These wildfires occur amidst a heatwave that has affected the Canary Islands, leaving many areas exceedingly dry and increasing the risk of fires. Last month, a similar situation occurred on the nearby island of La Palma, where residents were forced to evacuate due to a wildfire during a period of intense heat. Wildfires have also devastated areas in southern Europe, northern Africa, Canada, and Hawaii during this summer.
It is important to recognize the significance of these wildfires in the broader context of climate change. The increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves worldwide are exacerbating conditions that are conducive to wildfires. The world has already seen a temperature rise of approximately 1.1°C since the industrial era began, and unless immediate action is taken to reduce emissions, temperatures will continue to rise.
During this crisis, it is crucial for governments, communities, and individuals to prioritize the safety and recovery of those affected by the Tenerife wildfires. Additionally, sustainable measures must be implemented to mitigate the risks posed by climate change, including proper forest management, investment in firefighting resources, and increased awareness about the consequences of human-induced climate change on vulnerable regions such as Tenerife.
