Forest fires hit Canary Island

Spain’s Interior Ministry said forest fires are raging on the Canary Island of La Gomera, destroying homes and forcing an evacuation of 500 people.

No one has been injured.

A ministry spokesman said the fires are burning in three areas in the north of the island.

The towns of Vallehermoso, Hermigua and Agulo are affected.

He said residents have been removed from their homes on Saturday night as a precaution.

The spokesman said firefighting aircraft have arrived from the mainland in an effort to save a national park just south of the fires.

Spain announced aid and tax breaks for the islands in August 2007 following the worst fires there in 50 years.