Tenerife wildfires maps: Where have fires hit the Spanish island? Ferocious blaze sweeps top UK holiday destination

Tenerife has become the latest European region to be hit by wildfires, following mass evacuations from the Spanish island.

The fire has spread more than 3,270 hectares since it started in a nature reserve  on the evening of Tuesday August 15. 

Six municipalities have now been evacuated as the fire continues to rage through a forested area in steep ravines. 

But where exactly are the wildfires in Tenerife? Which parts of the island are affected by the blazes? 

Read on below for everything you need to know about where the wildfires are in Tenerife.

Where are the wildfires in Tenerife? 

The fire has spread more than 3,270 hectares since it started in a nature reserve on the evening of Tuesday August 15. Six municipalities have now been evacuated as the fire continues to rage through a forested area in steep ravines. Pictured: Military firefighters battle a forest fire on August 17 2023 raging in the northeastern part of the island

The blazes have been burning in a forested area with steep valleys – which has meant firefighters have faced difficulties controlling the fires – in the north-east of the island in the municipalities of Arafo, Candelaria, El Rosario, La Orotava, Santa Úrsula, La Victoria, El Sauzal and Tacoronte.

Some 250 firefighters, as well as members of Spain’s emergency military unit, have been tackling the fire, which is  a mere 12 miles away from the island’s main town of Santa Cruz.

Authorities have warned that the rapidly-spreading fires could lead to further evacuations and confinement, with people being advised to keep an eye on public service alerts.

So far, more than 3,000 individuals have been evacuated, with 3,820 people being  ordered to remain at home until Saturday August 19, said civil protection chief Montse Roman

The island’s tourism office reiterated that the main tourist areas and cities of the island are away from the fire in a statement released on the afternoon of Thursday August 17.

Is it safe to travel to Tenerife? 

The UK government has not updated its travel advice for Spain in light of the wildfires currently raging through Tenerife, with no international restrictions in place regarding travel. 

As a result, you can still travel to the island – which is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe for British tourists.  

Currently, Tenerife’s North and South airports have not seen any arrival or departure flights delayed due to the wildfires. 

forest firefighters work during the extinction of the forest fire in Arafo on August 16 2023

Much of the tourist trade across the island has continued as normal, across beaches and other tourist sites located in central and north-eastern areas, the tourist office said.

However, the Teide National Park – one of the most-visited tourist attractions in Tenerife – will be closed to the public on Thursday August 25 from 6pm local time (5pm GMT) until further notice, said the Canary regional government.