In recent days, Spain has faced one of the most severe natural disasters in recent years — large-scale wildfires that have affected almost all regions of the country. While the fires are destroying tens of thousands of hectares of forest and forcing residents to leave their homes, the island of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands remains a rare exception, where calm prevails and there is no threat of fire.
The fires have already led to the evacuation of tens of thousands of people across the country. In some areas, the situation is so critical that local authorities have been forced to set up temporary shelters for those affected. According to official reports, two people have died as a result of the firefighting efforts, and the area of burned land continues to grow.
Almost all fire departments in Spain, as well as numerous volunteers, have been mobilized to battle the blazes. They have been joined by military personnel from the emergency response unit and the Air Force, who are working around the clock to contain the outbreaks. However, weather conditions — high temperatures and strong winds — are making firefighting efforts much more difficult and contributing to the rapid spread of the fires.
Amid these developments, Lanzarote stands out as an island where life continues as usual. There have been no major fires reported here, and residents go about their daily routines. For many, this has been a source of relief, especially since the Canary Islands have also faced natural disasters in recent years.
Meanwhile, public attention is focused on the actions of the central authorities. Despite the state of emergency, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez continues his vacation in Lanzarote. This has sparked mixed reactions: some citizens believe the head of government should personally oversee the situation, while others argue that his presence at the scene would not impact efforts to fight the fire.
Sánchez has been joined on the island by former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and the head of the Catalan government, Salvador Illa. According to observers, this gathering allows the leaders to discuss not only current challenges, but also the political issues facing the country. In an informal setting, they can exchange views on the situation in Catalonia, international relations, and other pressing topics.
While most of Spain continues to battle wildfires, Lanzarote remains a symbol of calm and stability. However, experts warn that the situation could change at any moment if weather conditions worsen. Authorities are urging residents and visitors to stay alert and follow safety precautions.
The fires in Spain have already caused serious damage to the country’s environment, economy, and social life. Recovering the affected areas will require time and significant resources. Nevertheless, Lanzarote’s example shows that even amid large-scale disasters, it is possible to maintain islands of safety and stability.
