Hundreds flee wildfires on La Gomera

San Sebastian, La GomeraSpain - Hundreds of people fled wildfires Saturday on La Gomera, with some residents taking refuge on the beaches of the small island in the Canaries, provincial authorities said.

Separate blazes broke out around the towns of Hermigua, Vallehermoso and Agulo in the northern part of the Spanish island. There were no immediate reports about the source of the fires.

At least one house was destroyed by late Saturday. There were no reports of casualties.

Amid high winds driving the wildfires, dozens of firefighters and volunteers were battling the flames, with aerial support from tanker planes. Spanish military troops in the Canary Islands were expected to join the effort.

La Gomera's Garajonay National Park, which is listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site, could be endangered by the blazes on the island. (dpa)