Spain's Tourist Paradise Ravaged by 'Worst Fire' in Suspected Arson, Over 10,000 Evacuate

Unprecedented Massive Blaze on Tenerife, Canary Islands, Believed to be Arson-Triggered

In an alarming turn of events, a colossal wildfire has engulfed the picturesque Spanish holiday haven, Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, with authorities suspecting arson as the cause. Tenerife, a renowned Spanish resort destination, is now at the mercy of an unprecedented firestorm.

According to AP news on the 20th (local time), Fernando Clavijo, Governor of the Canary Islands, stated, "Police have confirmed that the massive wildfire that erupted in Tenerife, a popular Spanish tourist spot, was intentionally ignited."

While Governor Clavijo continues the investigation into the cause of the wildfire, it remains undisclosed whether any individuals have been apprehended in connection to the incident.

Progress is being made in containing the fire. Officials noted, "Firefighters have made significant headway overnight as weather conditions improved." Similar to much of mainland Spain, the Canary Islands have been grappling with years of drought due to climate change, leading to below-average precipitation levels.

Rosa Dávila, President of the Tenerife Council, disclosed that over 12,000 individuals have evacuated their homes since the fire's outbreak 15 days ago. Authorities describe the blaze as having consumed around 11,600 hectares (approximately 35 million square meters) of pine forest and shrubland on Tenerife Island.

As of now, no casualties or substantial property damage have been reported. However, the fire's spread across 11 villages situated in steep and rugged mountainous terrain poses a formidable challenge to firefighting efforts, making containment exceedingly difficult.

Spain is bracing itself for another wave of scorching heat, lasting from the 20th to the 24th. The Spanish Meteorological Agency forecasted that temperatures could soar up to 40 degrees Celsius in some mainland areas on the 23rd and 24th.