Donald- most tourist areas are well away from the pine forests and I am sure that with all that holiday accomodation that there is room for some locals.
The biggest problem for tourists will be the wind that brings in the fumes from the fires but I have not heard any reports of any problems?
I am howeaver devastated by this news because it is such a beutiful area.

Keith G, Leeds , UK

By the way, The Canary Islands aren't as small as you think. Although the flames have been stopped in Grand Canary, they were far away from the touristic places so people can go there without fear.

If you haven't been there, you wouldn't tell the people not to go there. Because, I couldn't tell the people not to go to London if there were flames in Newcastle, for instance.

Thanks again

Pino Jiménez, Los Barrios/Cádiz, Spain

To the Times: You say the majority of the fires on Tenerife are on the north of the island, implying that it’s not a problem. Most of Tenerife’s population live on the north of the island, but as they are not mostly British, do these people not matter?

The fires are unlikely to spread south as this is mostly desert, in which case you may as well ignore the fact that there is a fire on Tenerife at all as it is unlikely to affect the tourists.

Also, you may want to write something about the 2 British Schools, British Church and British Library in the North, as there are British people there.

A local, Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife

Donald....
I think you will find the locals to the Canaries rely heavily on tourism.
''fire becomes cataclysmic’’??
Latest reports indicate that the emergency services are slowly gaining control.

Unlike Donald, I won't 'advise' people stay away from the Canaries. Instead I would encourage people to continue supporting the Canary Islands tourism industry by not cancelling any up-coming holidays.

Ian, Aberdeen, Scotland

I live on Gran Canaria and like all residents am very saddened by the fire damage. The Canarian authorities have worked hard and, in the holiday resorts, there are no signs of the devastation that hit the centre of the island. The fire has been stopped and thousands of tourists are still enjoying their holidays. Please do not even think of cancelling your holiday to the island. The residents have suffered enough by losing their homes. They now need all the support you can give them through tourist income to help rebuild their lives.

Lori Hope, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

You can go to the canaries because the canarian people have stopped the flames and they need the tourism more now than ever.
Besides, the canary islands aren't as small as Donald thinks. You can imagine the big they are if I tell you that in the capital of Gran Canaria there are 500000 people living.
Moreover, the touristic zones weren't affected by the flames, and the smoke is away from there.
Donald, have you been in Grand Canary or in Tenerife? I tell you that because before telling the people not going there, you should visit the canaries and know the big they are.
Imagine the same in Canada. There are flames in Vancouver and you live in Ontario or Quebec. And I say to the british tourits not to go to Canada.
I'm a canarian woman, and I know my land. It is really beautiful, and canarian people are very friendly.
Thanks by hand,

Pino Jiménez, Los Barrios/Cádiz, Spain

Your right. The canarian people need alll the help. Not only now because of the fire, but also later with the british tourism.

Thanks to all the British people who go to Grand Canary Island every year.

A canarian woman

Pino, Los Barrios/Cadiz, Spain

of course the money fiends will tell you all is allright--it isnt---duh

mike, Topeka, usa kansas

Very negative comments from Donald, BC, and not at all helpful. After all the Canaries make most of their income through tourism. We should not over react to these kind of circumstances at all.

Andrew Lockley, London, UK

I think that the British Government and the other goverments in the E.U. should do their duty by sending firefighters and equipment to the Islands.

Josefina, Manchester, U.K

I would cancel the holiday, I was in Corfu about six years' ago when a fire took hold, we were engulfed in smoke at a restaurant and because we had my 18 months' old granddaughter with us, we went back to the apartment and shut ourselves in. We had no visit from the rep, we had no instructions as to what to do if it came closer, etc., or whether a coach would be arranged to pick us up if it got too dangerous. I know a lot of people were marooned on the beaches for hours and the smoke was terrible.

Christine in Hayes, Hayes, Middlesex, England

Things may be hot in the Canaries today but nothing compared to what they could become if the fire becomes cataclysmic, traveling
at speeds of 30 to 40 mph. What will Thomas Cook Inc. and other Brit tour operators have to say then? My advice to Brits is to stay home and stay out of the smoke which right now is not doing any good to anyone in the Canaries.

Bottom liners are never the best to consult in matters of public safety. Furthermore, why should the Brits take up all of the Island accommodation when so many locals are forced out of their homes?

Donald, Grand Forks, BC, Canada