4000 evacuated in forest fire on La Palma
- 00:01:38
- ITN
4000 evacuated in forest fire on La Palma
A forest fire is still raging out of control on the Spanish island of La Palma in the Canary Islands. The blaze has meant up to 4,000 people, including tourists, have had to be evacuated, with some residents saved just minutes before the fire reached their homes. It is thought that it was started by a firework let off during local festivals. Military aeroplanes are fighting the flames, with some firefighters pulled back from the worst-hit areas because the fire is so intense. Teams of firefighters have been brought in from other parts of the Canary Islands, and Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero has arrived in La Palma to witness the effort to bring the fire under control. There are fears that the flames could spread to the home of the world's largest telescope, in the island's Roque de Los Muchachos observatory. Mr Zapatero said an "appropriate decree regarding aid" would be approved at the next cabinet meeting on August 13.
ITN | August 3, 2009
