Spain: Emergency crews continue wildfire response in El Paso Municipality on La Palma Island as of early Nov. 12

Emergency crews are attempting to contain a wildfire burning in El Paso Municipality on La Palma Island as of early Nov. 12. The fire started late Nov. 11 in the El Riachuelo area in El Paso Municipality. The northern and eastern flanks of the fire are under control, while the southern flank is in the process of stabilization. The island has been on pre-alert due to the risk of forest fires since Nov. 7. The fire has burned around 7 hectares (17 acres). Around 80 firefighting personnel are on site battling the blaze.

Authorities have issued evacuation orders for around 200 people in Los Barriales and Valencia. The El Paso City Council Fairgrounds serves as an emergency shelter but is currently empty. The affected area around Valencia Mountain is closed.

Officials have not provided an estimated containment date for the fire. Conditions are favorable for firefighting efforts, but a change to hot and dry conditions or strong winds could result in additional wildfire growth in the coming hours and days. Authorities may issue additional evacuation orders at short notice, depending on the fire's evolution.

The status of nearby roads will likely change over the coming hours and days. Due to fire activity and the needs of response operations, officials will likely close routes within the wildfire complex and evacuate communities. Residents' return will probably disrupt traffic flows after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall will 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.