Unbelievable Turnaround: How Firefighters Battled the Blaze on Tenerife Island Against All Odds!
Firefighters on the Spanish island of Tenerife are finally gaining ground against the destructive wildfire, thanks to improved weather conditions.
The devastating blaze, which began on Wednesday in a rugged mountain area, has caused significant damage and prompted the evacuation of thousands of residents.
Over the weekend, officials from the Canary Islands reported positive developments in the firefighting efforts, particularly in safeguarding communities located at the periphery of the fire zone. Tenerife’s governor, Rosa Davila, expressed gratitude for the firefighters’ dedication, emphasizing the positive outcomes despite the challenges faced during the night.
The latest update on the situation highlights the surprising progress made by the firefighting teams. Fernando Clavijo, leader of the Canary Islands, acknowledged that despite concerns about adverse weather conditions, the situation unfolded much more favorably than expected. He praised the intensive efforts of the firefighters, highlighting their success in preventing any homes from succumbing to the flames, an accomplishment he described as close to miraculous.
Montse Roman, the head of the technical operation, provided insights into the night’s strategy, which primarily focused on defending vital infrastructure and homes on the fire’s northern front. Roman confirmed that no additional evacuation orders were issued, signifying a halt in the fire’s encroachment.
Efforts to combat the wildfire will see further reinforcement as around 20 aerial units and two additional coordination teams join the operation on Sunday.
Details about the wildfire itself reveal the extent of its impact. As of late Saturday, 12,279 people had been displaced due to the fire, according to figures from the Guardia Civil police. The fire has already engulfed approximately 8,400 hectares (about 20,800 acres) of land, an increase from the 5,000 hectares reported just a day prior. While the southern area of the fire remains relatively stable, concerns persist about its northern front. The wildfire’s origins near Spain’s highest peak, the Mount Teide volcano, are still under investigation.
Notably, the fire has spared Tenerife’s main tourist zones, situated further to the south, and both of the island’s airports continue to operate normally.
This wildfire outbreak follows a recent heatwave that left the Canary Islands parched. Scientists have pointed out that such extreme heat events are expected to become more frequent and intense due to the effects of climate change, underscoring the urgency of addressing global warming.
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
