Thousands evacuated as firefighters battle to control La Palma wildfire

A satellite image shows smoke spreading from wildfire on the Canary Island of La Palma, Spain July 15, 2023. Courtesy of Nasa Worldview/Handout via REUTERS

(Reuters) -Firefighters were trying to contain a wildfire which burned out of control and forced the evacuation of at least 4,000 people on the Spanish island of La Palma, authorities said on Sunday.

The fire on La Palma started in the early hours of Saturday in El Pinar de Puntagorda, a wooded area in the north of the island, necessitating the evacuation of people from the villages of Puntagorda and neighbouring Tijarafe.