LA PALMA, Canary Islands — A forest fire fanned by high winds has forced the evacuation of about 4,000 residents on the Canary Island of La Palma, the Spanish government said Saturday.
Flames raging on steep hillsides southeast of the island’s dormant San Antonio volcano have engulfed several houses and could damage wildlife habitats, environmental worker Narciso Lorenzo said by telephone.
A plume of smoke rose from the island to an estimated height of more than 3,300 feet. The cause of the fire is unknown.
Several days of high temperatures have contributed to dry conditions on the normally verdant La Palma — one of the least developed and greenest of Spain’s Canary Islands, off the West African coast. Virtually all the island’s firefighting forces, including several aircraft, have been deployed.
The ministry said 52 people were evacuated by boat from an area known for rare Canary pine forests and vineyards. The Associated Press
