Canary Islands fire leaves forests in ruin
Canary Islands fire leaves forests in ruin
8 September 2005
published by www.iol.co.za
Madrid – A huge forest fire which has raged for two days has destroyed about 1 300 hectares of woodland on the tourist island of La Palmas in the Canaries, local authorities said on Thursday.
“It’s the island’s largest fire,” a spokesperson told AFP Madrid by telephone from the Spanish islands off the coast of Morocco.
“About 350 men have been mobilised, backed by aircraft,” he said.
The spokesperson confirmed eight helicopters were at the scene and said another helicopter and two seaplanes were due to arrive on Thursday.
Authorities, citing favourable weather conditions, said the blaze could be brought under control within the next few hours.
