The fire, which began in the Dehesa del Manco area, near La Laja, in San Sebastián de La Gomera, rapidly evolved during the night of September 10. What initially seemed like a manageable fire advanced towards the island's higher regions, mobilizing residents and volunteers for firefighting efforts with very different means and protocols than today.
By midday on September 11, the fire appeared to be under control in the Los Roques area. However, a sudden change in wind caused the flames to ascend the ravine and overcome firebreaks, heading towards the roques of Ojila and Agando. The order to retreat to already burned ground came with very little time to react.
A new front violently struck the stretch of road between the roques of Agando and Ojila, trapping authorities, workers, and volunteers. Among the victims was Francisco Afonso Carrillo, civil governor of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, who had been in office for only 44 days. His secretary and driver also perished. The final death toll was 20, including 13 from La Gomera and 7 from Tenerife.
Despite affecting approximately 900 hectares, a smaller area than other major fires, the Los Roques de 1984 tragedy is remembered as the forest fire with the highest number of lives lost associated with the history of the Garajonay National Park. The Cabildo of La Gomera maintains a monument honoring the victims, commemorating the tragedy every September 11.
