Firefighters Close to Stabilizing Tenerife Fire as Evacuees Start Returning Home 

A view shows a fire over the mountains near empty houses after the evacuation in different villages in the north, as wildfires rage out of control on the island of Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain August 20, 2023. (Reuters)
A view shows a fire over the mountains near empty houses after the evacuation in different villages in the north, as wildfires rage out of control on the island of Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain August 20, 2023. (Reuters)
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Firefighters Close to Stabilizing Tenerife Fire as Evacuees Start Returning Home 

A view shows a fire over the mountains near empty houses after the evacuation in different villages in the north, as wildfires rage out of control on the island of Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain August 20, 2023. (Reuters)
A view shows a fire over the mountains near empty houses after the evacuation in different villages in the north, as wildfires rage out of control on the island of Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain August 20, 2023. (Reuters)

Firefighters on Monday battled to stabilize a huge wildfire that has devastated forests on the Spanish island of Tenerife for six days and forced thousands to evacuate their homes.

The fire that started last Tuesday night has so far ravaged some 12,800 hectares of woodland within the national park surrounding the Teide volcano, Spain's highest peak.

Efforts to extinguish it have been hampered by the difficult terrain - made up of steep ravines and cliffs - and a recent heatwave leaving the pine forest bone dry.

"The worst is behind us," the Canary Islands' regional leader Fernando Clavijo said on Monday morning on Cadena SER radio station.

"Today, we will keep on working, consolidating perimeters. We cannot talk about control yet, we'll see if we can stabilize all the fronts," he added.

Authorities on Sunday allowed some of the 12,000 people evacuated from the villages of Arafo and Candelaria to return to their homes, Clavijo said.

"We are evaluating, as the northeastern part has cooled down, and we're hoping the reconnaissance flights will allow us to give the evacuees good news," he said.

Clavijo added the fire was almost certainly man-made and said police were investigating to identify and capture the arsonists.

Meanwhile, national weather agency AEMET said a new heatwave would sweep over mainland Spain on Monday, further heightening the risk of wildfires there.

However, AEMET said there was a chance Tenerife would see some rainfall later on Monday.



Jeddah Season 2025 Launches Summer Entertainment Program

The program combines entertainment, culture, and tourism across several main destinations that include the city’s most iconic landmarks and key facilities - SPA
The program combines entertainment, culture, and tourism across several main destinations that include the city’s most iconic landmarks and key facilities - SPA
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Jeddah Season 2025 Launches Summer Entertainment Program

The program combines entertainment, culture, and tourism across several main destinations that include the city’s most iconic landmarks and key facilities - SPA
The program combines entertainment, culture, and tourism across several main destinations that include the city’s most iconic landmarks and key facilities - SPA

The integrated summer program of Jeddah Season 2025 officially launched under the theme “Jeddah is Different.”

The program combines entertainment, culture, and tourism across several main destinations that include the city’s most iconic landmarks and key facilities.

This launch aligns with the Kingdom’s efforts to realize the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 by diversifying entertainment offerings and enhancing the quality of life for citizens, residents, and visitors alike, SPA reported.

At Jeddah Waterfront’s “Jeddah Promenade,” the opening night featured dazzling drone shows, roaming performances, and interactive entertainment characters, offering families and visitors a visually engaging experience. Meanwhile, the “Western Coast” event kicked off in the Obhur area, delivering a unique beach experience that runs until October 4.

The event offers a variety of safe, family-friendly activities including a ladies-only beach, water sports, and live artistic performances, creating a complete coastal entertainment experience catering to all age groups.

In parallel, the “Jeddah Shopping Festival,” which runs through August 31, is transforming the city into a vibrant commercial destination. It features hotel and transportation discounts, live shows, weekly giveaways, and promotional activities across major shopping centers.

Jeddah Season reflects a commitment to offering a comprehensive tourism experience that supports the goals of Vision 2030. It contributes to diversifying entertainment options, stimulating investment, enhancing Jeddah’s global standing as a premier tourism destination, and driving economic, cultural, and tourism growth.