By MeghanEvansAccuWeather.com
Wildfires burning out of control in theCanary Islands, particularly across the island of La Palma, off the coast ofSpain, are being fueled by strong winds. About 4,000 people have had toevacuate homes and hotels that are being threatened by the raging fires. Inaddition to the firefighters on the ground, planes are dropping water over theflames.More than 20 homes were destroyed by the blaze in Fuencaliente, one of thehardest-hit areas. Mazo is another area that is being hit with the worst of thefires. Both of these areas are popular tourist destinations. Some tourists areeven having trouble getting to airports to go home because roadways are closeddue to the fires and smoke.
Fire burning behind a Fuencaliente house (APPhoto/Carlos Moreno)While the cause of the fires is still under investigation, it seems that atleast one of the fires was sparked by fireworks set off at a localfestival.Unfortunately, the situation is not going to improve over the next few days.
In fact, the Canary Islands are notorious for gusty winds and dry weather.
Winds today through midweek will blow out of the north-northeast at 12-25 mph,or 20-40 kph. No relieving rain is in the forecast either.
Story by AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Meghan Evans
