Fire started by man burning toilet paper rages in Spain

Published August 05, 2016

Authorities on the Canary island of La Palma say they have evacuated 2,500 people because of a forest fire reportedly started by a German man who burned soiled toilet paper.

The islands' regional government said Friday that firefighters and army emergency service soldiers were using eight water-carrying helicopters and three water-dumping planes to try to extinguish the 3-day-old blaze raging amid high summer temperatures and strong winds.

One forest worker died Thursday while working to control the blaze.

A police statement said the 27-year-old German, who was not named, admitted starting the fire accidentally by burning his soiled toilet paper.

The fire has burned some 2,000 hectares (5,000 acres) in the center of the volcanic island known for its rich vegetation and mountainous countryside.

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