Telescopio Nazionale Galileo is closed due to a forest fire
Update. Observations have resumed. From the TNG we want to thank everyone who has worked to extinguish the fire.
A forest fire broke out in the north-western part of La Palma on Saturday morning, 15th of July. This has forced the evacuation of more than 4200 people, including the staff at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory. The forest fires reached as close as 2 km from Telescopio Nazionale Galileo.
Thanks to the rapid action of fire-fighters and military personnel, both terrestrial and aerial brigades, and to the favorable weather conditions, the fire is being extinguished, but it is still out of control. Access to the Observatory has just recently been regained and during the day TNG staff will evaluate the situation at the telescope. Stay tuned for more information.
Fire fighters are working to control the forest fire. Telescopio Nazionale Galileo is visible at the background (Photo by Fénix Canaria)
The forest fire stopped advancing towards the Observatory only less than 2 km from the telescopes (Photo by Pablo Ramón González)