Sunday, 18 August 2019 09:11

New Gran Canaria Fire Out Of Control Amid New Evacuations

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A new fire that started in the forest just above Valleseco in the northern Gran Canaria highlands has now burned over 1000 hectares of forest and countryside and is spreading.

The fire is now buring along a wide active front that runs all the way from Cruz de Tejeda and Fontanales to Artenera and Fagajesto. It is a very different fire from last's weeks blaze because it is burning through the tree tops rather than along the ground. Strong winds and high temperaures make it almost impossible to control. 

The red area on the map shows the current extent of the fire with the yellow areas showing last week's fires.

Over 2000 people from six municiplities have left their homes, including the population of Tejeda town which was evacuated for the second time in three days. Cruz de Tejeda was surrounded by flames last night but seems to have escaped serious damage. Fontanales town has also been evacuated.

There is no information about the cause of this fire although the press has reported that a small fire was started deliberately in the same area back in May.

In a rare spot of good news, a local animal-loving collective managed to get back up to rescue a donkey that was left behind at Cruz de Tejeda during the emergency evacuation of Cruz de Tejeda on Saturday evening.

Nine helicopters and two hydroplanes are currently battling the fire along with hundreds of firemen and forestry workers. Firefighting efforts are currently concentrated on protecting towns and homes and on holding back the flames at critical points to prevent it from spreading into new forest areas and valleys.

Most highland roads in Gran Canaria are blocked off. Please do not approach the area.

Note for visitors to Gran Canaria. This fire is a long way up in the Gran Canaria mountains and will not affect flights or the resort areas. 

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Read 88021 times Last modified on Sunday, 18 August 2019 10:45
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Tip of the day

  • Exchange Money In Gran Canaria Or At Home?
    Exchange Money In Gran Canaria Or At Home?

    Visitors to Gran Canaria often ask whether it is better to exchange their local currency for euros at home or in Gran Canaria. 

    The answer is that it is almost always better to buy your euros at home than it is to bring pounds to Gran Canaria and use local banks or currency exchanges. This rule of thumb applies all over the world. A currency is almost always cheaper the further away you are from the place you can spend it (because demand for it is lower). 

    Exchange rates are almost always better at home than in Gran Canaria

    You are very likely to get a better exchange rate using a British currency exchange specialist or local bank. Many of these companies will deliver your euros to your home.

    One of the best rates in the UK is often from the post office, especially if you do it well in advance.

    The only way you'll get a better rate in Gran Canaria than at home is if the exchange rate changes while you are travelling and this is rare. 

    You also have to bear in mind that currency exchanges in Gran Canaria are getting rarer and some local banks don't exchange money for non-clients. 

    To Transfer large amouynts of money to Gran Canaria, or to make regular transfers, always use a reputable currency broker such as Currencies Direct. This will save you money on exchange rates and bank charges and is highky secure. 

    The risk of bringing cash to Gran Canaria

    Another important factor to consider is the risk of bringing cash to Gran Canaria: If it is lost or stolen, there is no way of getting it back. 

    It is much safer to bring a debit or credit card and use local bank ATMs to take out money. These days, a good option is a pre-charged debit card. 

    Cards may be slightly more expensive that carrying cash, unless you seek out a bank card with low commissions, but it is much more secure. 

    Bank ATMs like Bankia, Santander and BBVA often charge lower rates than the ATMs in shopping centres and busy tourist areas.

    Alex Says: Always select the Euro option at ATMs in Gran Canaria because the exchange rate is much better than if you opt for the Local Currency option. The same applies when you pay by card in shops and restaurants.

    See our Gran Canaria Tips section for more nuggets of useful local information.

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