Arsonists Out to Destroy Garajonay National Park on La Gomera

According to a top park official on La Gomera, the fires that have been burning out of control since 14th August are the work of an arsonist who is attempting to destroy the Garajonay National Park, which is one of the European Union’s greatest natural wonders.

There have been 30 recorded attempts to set the park on fire. So far the fires have destroyed 800 hectares of the park. “We cannot forget that this was the work of environmental terrorists, and these criminals have been trying to do this since the month of May,” said Ángel Fernández, the park’s director. “Since then we have been able to stamp out various blazes but this time they accomplished what they set out to do.”

Hundreds of residents of La Gomera have been forced to leave their homes. The fire has destroyed 4200 hectares of the island with 800 hectares of the park affected, representing 20 percent of the parks 4000 hectares.

La Gomera National Park

The Canary Islands regional premier, Paulino Rivero, has accused the Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy of ignoring the La Gomea emergency. “This is the first time I have encountered a Spanish government that has no interest in asking me what is happening,” he said after attending an emergency regional cabinet meeting.