Spain: Island wildfire eases, lets evacuees return home

MADRID – Authorities in the Canary Islands say cooler temperatures and weaker winds are helping firefighters to progress in bringing Spain’s biggest wildfire so far this year under control, permitting just under half of the more than 10,000 people evacuated to return home.

The islands’ emergency service tweeted Wednesday that the “favourable development of the fire,” meant 4,500 evacuees could go back home.

Spanish national television said it was hoped that some 6,000 more people would be able to return later in the day.

More than 12,000 hectares (46,000 square miles) have been charred on the western slopes of Gran Canaria, a popular tourist island off northwestern Africa. No injuries were reported.

Acting Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles said Tuesday the blaze may be contained in 48 hours.