Better weather conditions help slow down La Palma wildfire, authorities say

Local residents look on at a burning forest fire, near Puntagorda on the Canary Island of La Palma (Europa Press via AP)

Spanish authorities said on Sunday more favourable weather conditions have helped firefighters slow down the advance of a wildfire on La Palma in Spain’s Canary Islands that has forced the evacuation of more than 4,000 residents.

The blaze, which started on Saturday, has affected an area of about 4,600 hectares (11,300 acres) and burned some 20 houses and buildings.