4,000 evacuated as forest fire rages in Spanish Canary Isles

By DPA,

Madrid : At least 4,000 people had to abandon their homes on La Palma in the Spanish Canary Isles overnight Saturday as a forest fire swept down from the island’s central highland.

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Authorities said military personnel from neighbouring Teneriffe were called in to deal with the flames, which were fanned by strong winds. The cause of the fire was not immediately known.

Spanish state radio said 1,000 hectares of forest were destroyed within a few hours. People forced to abandon their homes were put in temporary accomodation in a sports hall.