Wildfire on Spain's La Gomera island smolders on

Officials say a wildfire that started two weeks ago and has charred close to 12 percent of the surface of Spain's Canary island of La Gomera continues to smolder dangerously in forest undergrowth, AP reported. Firefighting services chief Javier Seijas said burning embers were still active underfoot along a three kilometer (two mile) stretch in high ground that is difficult to approach due to the danger of rockfalls. Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction due to its very rare flora and fauna lies at the heart of the island. 'The fire that has devastated the forests of the island of La Gomera can be considered, in view of the damage, a true environmental disaster,' regional employment and trade spokeswoman Margarita Ramos said Sunday.