Firefighters battle wildfire in Spain's Tenerife island

Firefighters made progress in their fight against a huge wildfire on the Spanish holiday island of Tenerife that has forced the evacuation of thousands of people. The fire, which broke out late on Tuesday, has been raging through a forested area with steep ravines in the northeastern part of the island which is part of the Spanish archipelago that lies off the coast of northwestern Africa.

About 450 firefighters and soldiers backed by 16 aircraft were battling the blaze which has so far destroyed some 3,800 hectares acres. Some 3,000 residents in the area have been evacuated and around 4,000 others were ordered to stay indoors. As global temperatures rise due to climate change, scientists have warned heatwaves will become more frequent and intense, with a much wider impact.