A forest fire which began yesterday on La Gomera has already destroyed 3,000 hectares of land and the authorities believe it will be at least 24 hours before it can be brought under control.
Around 600 people from 23 villages have been evacuated from their homes as a precautionary measure. The blaze is into the Garajonay National park on its northern front and the La Laja ravine in the south.
An anticipated slight drop in temperatures and a bit of moisture in the air is expected to aid those working to bring the fire under control. Two seaplanes are expected from the mainland on Monday morning to join the helicopters and other units already operating on the island.