A devastating wildfire has ravaged some 4,000 hectares on La Palma.
A devastating wildfire continued to spread on the Canary island of La Palma on Saturday.
Overnight, the fire ripped through the forest and came very close to a small village. Some 2,500 people had to be evacuated.
One park ranger has been killed in the blaze, which has ravaged some 4,000 hectares so far. Spain’s acting environment minister went to the island to witness the damage.
SPAIN – A local takes snapshots during forest fire near Fuencaliente on Canary island of La Palma. by Desiree Martin pic.twitter.com/G8Z7Jtcqi1
— AFP Photo Department (@AFPphoto) August 6, 2016
The forest fire, which started on Wednesday in the centre of the island, is advancing southwards, closer to the busy tourist area of Fuencaliente.
Soldiers and firefighting planes and helicopters have been deployed to contain the flames.
A 27-year-old German has admitted to police sparking the blaze accidentally, as he answered nature’s call and then burned the used toilet paper.