Free Republic

Speaking at a news conference, he said that the affected area was 1,000 hectares (about 2,500 acres). The neighborhoods concerned were from the municipalities of Artenara, Tejeda and Gáldar. The fire spread on Gran Canaria, the second-most populous of the Canary Islands with just less than 900,000 people. Earlier on Saturday, firefighters said in Spanish they were "overwhelmed by the situation," Ten aircraft and more than 200 ground troops are working to tackle the fire, Torres said. He added that local authorities have requested help from the government in Madrid and the Military Emergencies Unit in Seville.

Spanish intercept migrant boats Almost 250 migrants arrived in the space of 24 hours Spain has intercepted four boats carrying almost 250 migrants trying to reach the Canary Islands from the west African coast in the space of 24 hours. Authorities said two boats arrived at the islands of Tenerife and La Gomera on Saturday, while Friday saw two vessels reach Gran Canaria. Reports say that some of the migrants were suffering from dehydration and twelve of them were taken to hospital. Thousands attempt a dangerous crossing by sea to reach Europe each year. Many die on the journey. So...