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A wildfire in Tenerife’s mountainous national park in Spain has caused significant challenges for firefighters as they struggle to contain the blaze. Around 3,800 people have been evacuated from the affected areas. Satellite images from the European Union’s Copernicus Sentinel-3 show the massive smoke cloud generated by the wildfire spreading to the neighboring island of Gran Canaria.

The fire has expanded to a 31km perimeter, engulfing dry woodland and steep ravines on both sides near the Mount Teide volcano, which is Spain’s highest peak. This has made it difficult for firefighters to access the area and has led to smoke clouds and ash covering much of the island.

Since its outbreak on Wednesday, the fire has already destroyed 2,600 hectares of land. Fernando Clavijo, the region’s leader, described it as the most complex fire the Canary Islands have seen in the past four decades. Pedro Martinez, the head of emergency services in Tenerife, reported that the fire had spread northward, approaching a valley with several camping sites.

Preventative evacuations have been carried out in some villages, while residents in other areas have been instructed to remain at home. This has impacted an additional 3,500 people, including those in a prison and a migrant reception center.

To tackle the wildfire, authorities have deployed 17 aircraft and a total of 350 firefighters and military personnel. Extra waterbombing aircraft have been brought in from the mainland. Access to the mountains, including the popular Mount Teide, has been closed to prevent any incidents.

Amidst heightened wildfire risks caused by a recent heatwave, Tenerife’s two airports continue to operate normally. This summer has witnessed a series of fires in the Canary Islands, including Gran Canaria and La Palma. Firefighters have successfully extinguished these previous incidents.

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