Fires rage on Spanish resort islands near Africa

MADRID: Two forest fires are raging out of control on the islands of Tenerife and La Palma in Spain’s Canary Islands archipelago near the western coast of Africa.
Authorities say the fires threaten natural parks, but are not close to the parts of the islands most frequented by tourists.
Emergency services spokeswoman Carmina Lorenzo said Tuesday that 224 people have been evacuated from small villages near the fires. About 1,100 firefighters, police and other government workers are fighting the blazes with support from helicopters and airplanes dumping water.
Officials expressed optimism the fires would soon be extinguished because winds are not strong, and the air effort is starting to produce results.