Fire

[jackie]

A huge forest fire has taken over the whole of Gran Canaria. I can now see the fires from my terrace.

I am in shock right now, seeing all the people being evacuated from the mountains, and the TOTAL mismanagement from the first second.

The dog rescue that I worked with called me to pick up 3 dogs that she has kenneled about a 30 minute drive away. 500 metres in front of the kennel was a road block, and the police wont let anyone pass. I stood there crying for about 20 minutes, then found out the pups had been rescued an hour before.

This morning there was an announcement the fires were under control. Three hours later they evacuated the town just west of me. An hour after that the mayors house burnt down. The firefighters are just sitting and watching because they don't know what to do. I think this is the first major fire the island has seen.

When I was at the road blockade there was so many people just sitting there looking lost, and loads of goats and donkeys the farmers had brought down.

It is so heartbreaking.

[Randi]

That's horrible!! :( I hope the firefighters get help from the mainland and get it under control. I bet people are shocked. Where is it you live?

[Ginger's Mom]

That is heartbreaking, and very frightening as well. I admit that I don't know much about your area, but may do some googling right now. Please just make sure that you stay safe.

[jackie]

I am in Maspalomas, the fires are coming down from Ayaguares now.

The person who started this was a disgruntled firefighter whose contract wasn't going to be renewed in October. He wanted to show them that he was "important".

I was listening to the radio, and a woman called in saying, "the firemen said it isn't close, but I can see flames in the garden. Someone please send help, I can't get through to the fire station."

[Karen]

How horrible! Your whole island will be in our prayers.

[king2005]

Thats horrible!!

I'll keep your island in my thoughts

[RICHARD]

Living in So Cal all my life I never thought that I'd see that Wildfires are a huge problem all across the planet.. Prayers and best wishes.

[Randi]

Since I posted last I read the story on a Spanish newspage. I can't believe a firefighter would do something like that!! :eek:

Stay safe!

[jackie]

The fires are "under control", which means there are no new fires on the go, and they are still trying to contain the other.

The worst news I have heard so far Is that Palmitos Park (http://www.palmitospark.es/palmitos/index.php?wlang=en) has burnt down. Over 60% of the animals and plants are gone. They tried to evacuate as many as they could, but ended up putting the larger animals to sleep before the fires got there. Many of the birds they just released.

[Randi]

I'm glad to hear the fire is under control, but it's SO sad that Palmitos Park burnt down and so many animals were put to sleep. :( :( At least the birds could fly away.

[jackie]

http://www.canarias7.es/multimedia/i/galerias/1693/gal1693-10.jpg
http://www.canarias7.es/multimedia/i/galerias/1693/gal1693-24.jpg
http://www.canarias7.es/multimedia/i/galerias/1695/gal1695-3.jpg
http://www.canarias7.es/multimedia/i/galerias/1679/gal1679-5.jpg
http://www.canarias7.es/multimedia/i/galerias/1679/gal1679-6.jpg

[lbaker]

:( :( That's just heartbreaking. Try to stay strong and calm so not to upset your own family. I'm so sorry.

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

OMG.... that is horrible, poor animals who did not survive this... :eek: .
I am so sorry too for all the people who lost their house.... :( ; I hope this won't happen to you....!

I heard on our news that thousands of tourists have been evacuated too... .

[Killearn Kitties]

What an awful situation. My thoughts are with you. I am sorry that there isn't anything I can actually do.

[Catty1]

Jackie - is the 'disgruntled employee' in custody?

Or in the nuthouse, more like! :mad:

[todd]

wow thats so sad

[jackie]

Yes, the man has been arrested, it think it is better for him, seeing as the local newspaper published his photo, full name, and address on the front page.

Good news, the fires are small and "controlled", the temperature is a lot cooler (only mid 30s as opposed to 48), and the winds have dropped. :D

[Catty1]

Good news...I hope the fires are gone soon.

I would guess the firestarter did this in a moment of rage, on impulse...and didn't think it would get this bad. Just plain didn't think, literally.

Prayers for everyone and their critters, that they survived and can set up house somewhere, somehow.

[Hellow]

Oh my god.
All of thoes animals and birds...
All of the palm trees...
...gone.:(

[Barbara]

I am so sorry! I read all this and heard about Palmito's Park. I know Tenerife a little better and your islands are such a haven of nature!
And it's all started by humans!
I keep my fingers crossed for you.