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Canaries fires force evacuations Canaries fires force evacuations
(about 13 hours later)
Forest fires on two of Spain's Canary Islands have forced the evacuation of more than 11,000 people, local officials have said.Forest fires on two of Spain's Canary Islands have forced the evacuation of more than 11,000 people, local officials have said.
The fires have burnt at least 24,000 hectares (59,000 acres) of land on the islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife.The fires have burnt at least 24,000 hectares (59,000 acres) of land on the islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
Spain's Environment Minister Cristina Narbona called a state of "maximum alert" and ordered more water-bombing planes to help douse the fires.Spain's Environment Minister Cristina Narbona called a state of "maximum alert" and ordered more water-bombing planes to help douse the fires.
Hundreds of firefighters are working with planes to quell the blaze.Hundreds of firefighters are working with planes to quell the blaze.
On Saturday, police arrested a forest ranger who admitted to starting one of the fires.On Saturday, police arrested a forest ranger who admitted to starting one of the fires.
The 37-year-old man told police his job contract was about to expire and he wanted to keep working, according to the AP news agency.The 37-year-old man told police his job contract was about to expire and he wanted to keep working, according to the AP news agency.
Local officials said that 5,200 people had been taken to safety on Gran Canaria and at least 5,700 people were evacuated from homes in Tenerife as the four-day blaze continued to burn.Local officials said that 5,200 people had been taken to safety on Gran Canaria and at least 5,700 people were evacuated from homes in Tenerife as the four-day blaze continued to burn.
HazardsHazards
Previously, dozens of people had been evacuated from seven areas since Friday.Previously, dozens of people had been evacuated from seven areas since Friday.
Forest fires on the islands of Tenerife and Gran CanariaEnlarge ImageForest fires on the islands of Tenerife and Gran CanariaEnlarge Image
Paulino Rivero, head of the regional government said: "The rugged landscape of these islands makes firefighting very complicated, except from the air.Paulino Rivero, head of the regional government said: "The rugged landscape of these islands makes firefighting very complicated, except from the air.
"But while there is a lot of wind and very high temperatures, helicopters generally cannot operate.""But while there is a lot of wind and very high temperatures, helicopters generally cannot operate."
He was quoted by the Associated Press saying: "These are the biggest fires on the archipelago in the last ten years," he said. He was quoted by the Associated Press saying: "These are the biggest fires on the archipelago in the last 10 years," he said.
A spokesman for Gran Canaria's authorities said fires were burning on four fronts but attention was being focused on two in the central Fataga area.A spokesman for Gran Canaria's authorities said fires were burning on four fronts but attention was being focused on two in the central Fataga area.
He added that only two helicopters were able to drop water there because of the "terrible" wind.He added that only two helicopters were able to drop water there because of the "terrible" wind.
Readers' experiencesReaders' experiences
The fire has damaged 65% of the Palmitos bird sanctuary park. There are fears that toucans and other exotic birds may have been killed.The fire has damaged 65% of the Palmitos bird sanctuary park. There are fears that toucans and other exotic birds may have been killed.
A spokeswoman from Tenerife's island authorities said some 300 members of fire and other emergency services were fighting the blazes, with the support of 34 lorries, four helicopters and a water-bomber airplane.A spokeswoman from Tenerife's island authorities said some 300 members of fire and other emergency services were fighting the blazes, with the support of 34 lorries, four helicopters and a water-bomber airplane.
Meanwhile, officials in southern Portugal said a major forest fire that broke out on Monday had now been brought under control.Meanwhile, officials in southern Portugal said a major forest fire that broke out on Monday had now been brought under control.
Wildfires have also affected Greece this summer amid a heat wave which has stretched across parts of Europe.Wildfires have also affected Greece this summer amid a heat wave which has stretched across parts of Europe.


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