'Out of control' wildfires rage in Tenerife: Map of affected areas, evacuations and how to stay safe

Firefighters are working to battle raging wildfires in Tenerife, one of Spain's Canary Islands and a major tourist destination.

"The night has been very tough...This is the most complex fire we've had in the Canary Islands in the last 40 years," the region's leader, Fernando Clavijo, said this morning. Last night he said, "The Tenerife fire is out of control; the scenario is not exactly very positive."

Pedro Martinez, head of emergency services in Tenerife, said the fire had spread to the north and towards a valley where several camping sites are located.

About 250 firefighters backed by 17 planes and helicopters, including three sent from mainland Spain, are trying to contain the fire. But efforts are being hampered as the fire is in a mountainous national park.

This is a developing situation. This article will be updated throughout the day.

The fires currently have a perimeter of 31km.

The fires started in the mountainous area of Arafo and Candelaria. This is in the centre of the island and it surrounds the famous volcano Teide, Spain's highest peak and popular tourist attraction.

So far 3,800 people have had to leave their home.

The areas that have so far been evacuated:

Residents in La Esperanza have been told to stay inside to protect themselves from the risks of smoke inhalation.

All roads leading into the evacuated areas and the roads leading to Mount Teide are currently shut to the public.

Highly flammable pine trees in the area could cause the fires to escalate towards tourist hotspots on the Canary Island, including Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Puerto de la Cruz, authorities said.

"The fire is powerful and is in a complicated area," Canary Islands regional president Fernando Clavijo told a news conference in Tenerife.