Thousands evacuated as wildfire hits La Palma in Canary Islands

A burning forest fire close to homes near Puntagorda on the Canary Island of La Palma (Europa Press/AP)

More than 2,000 people have been evacuated as a wildfire rages “out of control” on La Palma in Spain’s Canary Islands, destroying around a dozen homes, authorities have said.

The blaze has affected an area of about 4,500 hectares (11,000 acres) and officials warned residents the situation could worsen because a heatwave has made the terrain tinder-dry.