Emergency crews have been battling a large fire since early Tuesday in a residential building located in the town of Santidad, Arucas, on Gran Canaria. Two residents were evacuated with serious injuries, and authorities fear additional people may be trapped inside the structure.
According to a spokesperson from the Canary Islands 112 emergency service, the blaze was detected around 5:58 a.m. on the second floor of a three-story building with an additional rooftop area on Santa Clara Street in Santidad, a locality with a population of about 8,584 residents. The incident prompted swift response from multiple emergency agencies and a coordinated evacuation plan for those nearby.
Emergency responders have successfully evacuated a 52-year-old woman and a 35-year-old man from the building, sending them to a hospital in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria due to severe smoke inhalation. Both patients are receiving urgent medical care for their injuries, and authorities are monitoring their condition as the operation continues.
Officials indicate that there may be more people inside the building who are unaccounted for. While the exact number remains undetermined, rescuers are conducting door-to-door checks and coordinating with residents to ensure everyone is accounted for. The priority remains to locate and assist anyone in danger while preventing further harm from the flames and smoke.
On the ground, a large presence of protective services has been mobilized. The Canary Islands Emergency Consortium, the Canary Emergency Medical Service, and national security forces are all involved in managing the scene. Firefighters are working under challenging conditions to penetrate the structure, ventilate compartments, and suppress the fire, while keeping surrounding streets safe for residents and responders alike. The coordination among agencies reflects a robust response designed to protect lives and minimize property damage in a densely populated area.
Residents in the vicinity are advised to stay clear of the area and follow the directions of authorities as investigations and containment efforts continue. Information points and temporary safety corridors have been established to facilitate the movement of emergency personnel and prevent impediments to rescue operations. Local officials have pledged to provide timely updates as new details develop and as the situation evolves throughout the day.