Spain: Wildfires in Gran Canaria forces evacuation

Authorities had ordered for evacuations in at least six towns after the flames took over around 1,700 hectares of land. Strong winds, low humidity and high temperature were making it difficult for the firefighters to handle the flames.

Gran Canaria: The wildfire which started near the town of Valleseco on Gran Canaria island in the Atlantic Ocean archipelago on Saturday is slowly gripping the mountainous area of the island.

Almost 700 firefighters along with ten planes and helicopters were deployed to battle the blaze near the town of Valleseco.

Although strong winds, low humidity and high temperature were making it difficult for the firefighters to handle the flames.

Authorities had ordered for evacuations in at least six towns after the flames took over around 1,700 hectares of land. Due to this 11 roads were closed.

Wildfires are common in southern Europe during the hot, dry summer months.

According to the report, nearly half of Spain's provinces were on alert Sunday for high risk of fires.