Sunday, April 27, 2008
Fires on La Gomera turn very complicated
The latest count of the evacuated stands at over 1,000, according to Canarias7, who show a poignant photo of terraces burning almost right alongside the church in the center of a village, this morning. Around 500 residents of Vallehermoso, Hermigua and Agulo, in the north of La Gomera, spent the night away from their homes in various centers, including an old banana packing plant and even the beach.
Homes have been burnt and, reports are that a number of people have needed to be treated for inhalation of smoke. Evacuation had been that bit more difficult, because evacuees include the residents of a Hermigua old folks home.
Recent reports say the fire remains active in the Liria gorge in the district of Agulo, but had not reached Aceviños adjacent to the national park, meaning that the fire has not (yet) affected the Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the last refuges of Laurisilva (subtropical laurel forest).
The fire is still considered to be a threat there and other reports suggest that fire had reached the vicinity of the park.
While the president of the Canarian Government claims that "we have the necessary resources and the coordination" - the government, rather than the local authorities, has now assumed control of operations for the extinction of the fire because of its magnitude and are sending 50 soldiers - it is clear that the high winds, low humidity, high temperatures are, once again, proving to be a challenge for the 7 helicopters, 3 hydroplanes and countless firefighters on the ground. Copious smoke, in particular, is hampering operations in the air.
The fire in Vallehermoso appears to have been brought under control today, while in the upper reaches of Hermigua, the fire remains a serious preoccupation 
.
Some of the evacuees have now been able to return to their homes, but the area of Vallehermoso still remains incommunicado as telephone repeater towers and fiber optic lines have been damaged by the fire.
La Gomera's island council has so far estimated the area that has been burnt as being more than 700 hectares (7,000,000 square meters, 1729.7 acres or 647.8 soccer pitches), mostly agricultural land and low level forest.
(Probably, because more and more of this land is being abandoned on these islands, to overgrow, dry out and provide excellent fast burning tinder.)
How will his affect visitors to this Canary Island?
(La Gomera Hotels and Apartments)
Absolutely not at all if they're in La Gomera's capital, San Sebastian, or cocooned in hotels at sea level in centers such as Valle Gran Rey or Playa Santiago.
Others who may have wanted to venture out around the island on buses, tours, on foot or by car, will probably find some routes blocked by the fire or to allow access to emergency services. Reports say the area of Las Rosas is affected.
La Gomera, a paradise for walkers, attracts a more adventurous and independent type of traveller - among them Christopher Columbus after all. The Garajonay National Park and its magical rain forest attract around 450,000, mostly day visitors, each year. Many walkers start at the Juego de Bolas Visitor Centre in the district of Agulo in north of La Gomera. Although not in the area affected by fire, the center was used to house some of the evacuees last night.
Just as I had to do concerning the fire in Tenerife last year, I will point out that La Gomera is an island with real people, towns and everything. La Gomera is not, as one report I read in English claimed this morning, a "tourist resort."
But, while the English language coverage is a disgrace - to be fair that report is the only one I've seen, but I don't have great hopes for any others who pick up on it, hence I'm attempting to publish the truth before it gets more distorted - I have to agree with Miguel at Canarias Bruta that, in contrast to last year when their coverage of the fire was far too slow and worse than lacking, TV Canaria have obviously taken notice and are redeeming themselves by staying right on top of this one. Particular kudos is due to news anchor, Miguel Ángel Daswani.
Links to more coverage of the Gomera fires (in Spanish). More images
La Gomera. The Island | Gomera Travel Guide
Canary Islands weather continues hot and dry
Temperatures, which had increased by 14 degrees centigrade in less than 48 hours in the Canary Islands, are today, forecast to drop, though they were still expected to reach 31 degrees (currently, they're being reported at 97°F / 36°C in South Tenerife), with a force 4 or 5 wind and high seas around the westerly isles. The calima will continue, with its resultant dust and haze.
The forecast shows temperatures dropping a couple of degrees each on Monday and Tuesday, returning to normal levels for the time of year by Wednesday.
Meanwhile, high temperatures have also caused a dozen fires on Gran Canaria.
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None of thismakes the news here - if I hadn't stopped by here I would never have known.
I keep wondering how Mascar is recovering from last year's fire.
Hope you are keeping well yourself, best wishes