An out-of-control fire continues to blaze on the Canary island of La Palma.

Over 4,500 hectares have already burned in the areas of Puntagorda and Tijarafe, and the fire has also encroached into the Caldera de Taburiente National Park.

It’s the first big summer wildfire in Spain and the conditions are concerning as the country heads into its third heatwave of the year with temperatures expected to soar to new record highs this week. 

Attempts to bring the fire under control include nine helicopters and two planes, while military reinforcements have been flown in. 

A total of 13 aircraft are expected to join the fight, with over 400 ground agents now battling the blaze.

The Canaries’ President Fernando Clavijo is on the island calling on people to follow the instructions of the authorities amid what he described as “resistance from people to leave their homes.”

Hector Gómez, Minister for Industry and Tourism, confirmed that “we do not have any information on the cause of this fire, whether it was intentionally lit or started naturally.”

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Prime Minister expresses ‘solidarity’

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez posted on his personal social media account his solidarity with people affected by the fire, particularly those who have had to leave their homes.

The President of the government also urged “extreme caution” from all involved.

A local pavilion or town hall in Los Llanos de Aridane has been converted into a makeshift shelter for people evacuated from their homes.  

There is also a team of psychologists there to help. 

“It’s a very difficult situation,” minister Gomez told Spain’s 24h news channel.

“We have temperatures that are not normal, 36, 38 degrees at six in the morning. 

“This is part of the reality of climate change which can bring tremendous consequences for people, for our surroundings, and for our natural areas.”

Europe braces for record temperatures 

The wildfire comes in the context of a potentially record-breaking week with experts predicting temperatures to climb above the record 48.8 degrees.

That was set in Italy in 2021.

2022 was the worst year on record for Spanish wildfires, over 3,000 square kilometres burned and experts say that this year could be even worse. 

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