Forest fire | Gran Canaria

A forest fire on the Spanish island of Gran Canaria has burned more than a thousand hectares and resulted in the evacuation of more than 550 people. Although it has not yet reached any urban center, a natural park is in danger.

The fire began Saturday in the west of the island and forced residents of the municipalities of Tejada, Artenara and Gáldar to leave their homes. The concern is that the fire may affect the sacred mountains of Gran Canaria, an 18,000 hectare natural park that has been declared a World Heritage Site this year.

The regional president of the Canary Islands, Ángel Víctor Torres, said that the fire was caused by a 55-year-old man who was working with a welding machine without the necessary precautions. The man had already been arrested by the Civil Guard.

The fire was not yet extinguished, but 177 specialists work, among which is the Military Emergency Unit (UNE).