Mass evacuations are taking place in Gran Canaria after a mountain fire sparked by a welder spiralled out of control.

Hundreds of people have been evacuated from their homes because of the huge fire, which is affecting 900 hectares in Artenara.

The fire, about 20 miles from the capital Las Palmas, is believed to have been started by someone using a soldering iron. Police have arrested a man, 55.

Local authorities have confirmed extra troops are being called in to help tackle the blaze.

Helicopter crews have been pictured dropping water on the raging fire from above.

The fire was downgraded to level 2 last night but sprung up again this morning.

In the last few hours, Gran Canaria fire brigade tweeted: ‘We are overwhelmed by the situation.

‘We continue working and fighting for our island.

‘Numerous villages have been evacuated and residents spent the night in municipal buildings such as sports centres, schools and community halls.

‘The municipalities of Tejeda, Artenara and Gáldar are among the locations where people were told to leave their homes with the districts of Las Peñas, El Tablado, El Rincón, Juan Fernández, La Culata, Peña Rajada, Las Arbejas and Las Crucitas all affected.’

At least one campsite has been evacuated and the smoke is clearly visible from the air in all parts of the island and from Tenerife.

The fire is in the western part of Gran Canaria in the mountains.

According to bulletins, the fire spread rapidly through the summit last night but there were hopes it was being brought under control.

Gran Canaria, which is one of the Spanish Canary Islands along with Tenerife, has a population of around 900,000 people.

It is estimated around four million British tourists visit the island each year.

Additional reporting by Rita Sobot.

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