At dawn, a wildfire erupted in a pine-dominated landscape on La Palma, a rugged area just inland from the municipality of Puntagorda. The fire spread through dense vegetation and terrain that challenged access, driven by the hot conditions and persistent winds that had intensified in the preceding days. As the flames surged toward the outskirts of towns, the situation escalated quickly, forcing the destruction of 11 homes and triggering a broad evacuation effort that affected hundreds of residents. Local authorities reported that, as a precaution, the number of evacuees could eventually top a thousand, with people being relocated to nearby communities to ensure safety. Shelters and care facilities housed displaced residents, including seniors, as responders coordinated to secure immediate shelter and essential services. The Canary Islands Government noted the potential for further displacement, prompting officials to keep watch on evolving needs and to adjust shelter capacity as necessary. In parallel, emergency services including firefighters, police, and the Civil Guard remained on the ground and in the air, supported by up to six aircraft that conducted reconnaissance and water drops. The response also involved 150 members of the Military Emergency Unit, who contributed to containment and logistics, working in tandem with local fire brigades and civil protection teams. Efforts aimed to create containment lines and to protect populated areas while prioritizing the safety of evacuees and response personnel. The affected zone has already covered around 140 hectares, and officials cautioned that the ultimate control of the blaze would hinge on the wind’s behavior in the coming hours. Authorities stressed the importance of continued vigilance, timely updates, and adherence to evacuation instructions as the situation evolved, underscoring the cooperative, multi-agency approach that characterized the response to this rapidly developing fire emergency.
