The FCO now advises in its latest update: “In Gran Canaria, several areas in the north west of the island have been evacuated due to an ongoing forest fire.
“The authorities are working to extinguish the flames.
“If you’re in the area or planning to visit, check the latest updates and information on Twitter @112canarias and follow the advice of the local authorities.”
It added: “Forest fires occur frequently in Spain (including Spanish islands) during the summer months.
“Take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas. Make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished, do not light barbecues and do not leave empty bottles behind.
“You should be aware that causing a forest fire is treated as a criminal offence in Spain even if unintentional. If you see what you think might be the onset of a forest fire, call the emergency services on 112.”
The authorities were quick to flag how temperatures regularly reach over 40ºC in Spain during the summer months.
They warned: “Make sure cigarettes are properly extinguished and don’t leave empty bottles behind in woodland areas. Causing a forest fire is treated as a criminal offence in Spain even if unintentional.
“There are strict regulations across much of Spain against lighting outdoor barbecues in forest areas and penalties imposed include heavy fines.
“You should be aware that some regions prohibit the use of outdoor barbecues in public picnic areas during the summer months.
“Check on the outbreak of fires with the local civil protection authority and report any you see immediately to the emergency services on 112.”
This weekend, Express.co.uk reported how those near the town of Valleseco and the village of Tejeda had to flee to safety last night as the third fire in eight days in the region blazed in the central part of the island.
Among those evacuated were guests who were staying at the Hotel Parador de Cruz de Tejeda in the heart of the zone where the fire is blazing.
The Government has declared a level one emergency and emergency services are battling the inferno from the sky and ground.
According to Euro Weekly News, hotels in the coastal tourism resorts on Gran Canaria are said to be in no danger from the fire.
Shocking images released throughout the wildfires show plumes of smoke engulfing the area as emergency services battle the blaze.
