A huge forest fire is out of control on one of the Canary Islands, forcing the evacuation of up to 4,000 people, including tourists.

Two military planes, six helicopters and 500 firemen are fighting the flames on La Palma, which have been spread by strong winds and high temperatures.

Some residents were saved just minutes before fire engulfed their homes.

There are fears the flames could spread to an observatory housing the world’s largest telescope.

The Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory was only inaugurated last month.

The worst fires are around the towns of Fuencaliente and Mazo, both popular with tourists.

Dozens have been unable to catch flights home because of road closures.

La Palma is a small, relatively undeveloped island, with a resident population of about 85,000.

It is dominated by a dormant volcano, and is renowned as one of the greenest of the Canary Islands. But its lush vegetation has been seared by the high temperatures of recent days.

Smaller fires have broken out on other Canary Islands, including La Gomera, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria, but are expected to be brought under control soon.

Many parts of Gran Canaria were destroyed by a massive fire two years ago. </p

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