23 Aug 2023 | 08:19 AM UTC
Spain: Emergency crews continue wildfire response in Tenerife as of Aug. 23 /update 4
Emergency crews continue wildfire response in Tenerife, Spain, as of Aug. 23. Evacuation orders remain in effect in some areas.
Event
Emergency crews continue working to contain a major wildfire burning in Tenerife as of Aug. 23. The fire broke out late Aug. 15 and has affected much of the northern part of the island, including parts of Arafo, Candelaria, Santa Ursula, La Victoria de Acentejo, El Rosario, La Orotava, El Sauzal, Tacoronte, Guimar, and La Matanza municipalities. The area affected by the fire has grown to nearly 15,000 hectares (3,700 acres) as of Aug. 22. More than 600 firefighting personnel are on site battling the blaze. Firefighters have reportedly made progress in getting the fire partially under control due to improved weather conditions in recent days. The fire was largely contained within its current perimeters Aug. 22, with the exception of an active front burning in the Mal Abrigo area in Guimar Municipality.
Nearly 10,000 people in evacuated areas of Arafo, El Rosario, El Sauzal, La Matanza, La Orotave, La Victoria, Los Realejos, and Santa Ursula municipalities have been able to return home due to the progress made in containing the fire in recent days; however, more than 3,000 people remain under evacuation orders in parts of El Suazal, Guimar, Santa Ursula, and Tacoronte municipalities. As a result of the return of residents, emergency shelters have been closed in El Rosario and La Orotava, but remain open in La Matanza, La Victoria, and Los Realejos.
Authorities have not provided an estimated containment date for the fire; although conditions conducive to fire growth have eased, any further hot and dry conditions or strong winds could result in additional wildfire growth in the coming hours and days. Officials may issue further evacuation notices at short notice, depending on the evolution of the fire.
Authorities have closed sections of the TF-21, TF-24, TF-38, and TF-523 highways due to the proximity of the fire. The status of nearby roads will likely change over the coming hours and days; authorities could close routes within the wildfire complex and evacuate communities due to fire activity and the needs of response operations. The return of residents could disrupt traffic flows after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region. Power outages are possible if fires damage power infrastructure. Authorities may cut off power to parts of the affected area to aid firefighting efforts.
Advice
Heed any evacuation orders. Seek updated information on road conditions if driving in the affected area; road closures and detours will likely cause increased congestion and delays. Individuals not under evacuation warnings should consider remaining inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. Collect essential items - including identification and any important legal and travel documents - in a "go-bag" that can be easily accessed. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged power outages.
