The fire is raging on a large area and is spreading to a national park and a popular tourist area, according to the island's rescue service. The fire department fights against the flames about three miles from the capital Las Palmas with the help of aircraft and helicopters.
A witness at the scene describes the scene as "one of the most painful things I've seen in my life".
On Saturday, a 55-year-old man was arrested in connection with the fire. Local police believe the fire hearth was caused by a soldering iron.