The true end of the fire Tenerife is near. Until it is considered extinct, this natural disaster cannot be considered over, but the evolution is favorable as shown by the opening of accesses.
The Cabildo of Tenerife has reopened the TF-24 (La Esperanza) and TF-21 (La Orotava) roads that give access to the National Park of Teide and the TF-523 (Los Loros Climb) with certain restrictions, after having been closed due to the forest fire last August.
The president of the insular Corporation, Rosa Davilaand the Minister of Highways, Damaso Arteagahave reported today, Tuesday, about the new measures, among which is the reopening of the sections closed by the fire, in which has established a series of limitations to guarantee the safety of people.
The restrictions established on the roads are in force in the sections affected by the fire. So, The speed of vehicles will be limited to 50 km/h and two-wheeled vehicles will not be able to circulate. (motorcycles and bicycles). Likewise, the transit of vehicles more than 12 meters in length is not permitted. In these sections, stopping and parking along the road and at viewpoints is prohibited.
The measurements of The TF-24 (La Esperanza) will be in force between the Machado Crossing (preventory of La Esperanza) and Izaña (between km 9 and km 37.5). For its part, on the Highway TF-21 (La Orotava) The measures will be applied from the access to La Caldera to El Portillo Bajo (between km 16 and km 33).
Rosa Dávila indicated that “We open the roads with restrictions. An effort has been made to clean and signage, but there is a risk because it has not been possible to place screens and guardrails. and, therefore, there are restrictions for access, both with motorcycles and bicycles and also for vehicles larger than 12 meters. We want to thank the collaboration of the Civil Guardwho will be monitoring that the rules are complied with, and the Provincial Traffic Directorate”.
“There are more than 17 kilometers of roads and as the biondas arrive they will be placed and we hope that by the end of December they will be completely installed and we can open it as normal as access now has all the security guarantees,” explained the president of the Cabildo.
For his part, Dámaso Arteaga indicated that “We have made a significant effort from Highways to open these roads today and we must thank the collaboration of the Civil Guard and the Provincial Traffic Directorate. We have made an emergency contract with two companies that have been eliminating the risk involved and the effect of the fire on the protections we have on the roads. These works will last until December.
“We must call for caution among both cyclists and motorcyclists., even those companies that are bringing or transporting tourists in large buses, which will not be able to circulate on these roads. They have to wait a little to ensure everyone’s safety. Traffic informs us that in two years there have been about 29 accidents, of which 24 have had a very important contribution from the barriers and defenses. Therefore, the roads are not exempt from risk. That is why the limitation of 50 km per hour and limitations regarding the circulation of certain vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles and vehicles over 12 meters have been established,” explained the Highways Minister.
Arteaga assured that “We will open the roads progressively, so that in the month of December we trust that the work will be completed. Two companies are working and the supply is weekly. “We are talking about the metal-wood screens that are integrated into the landscape and that play a fundamental role in terms of security.”
Rest of measurements
The Cabildo of Tenerife continues to apply another set of measures aimed at the population to guarantee their safety. Thus, it maintains the prohibition of travel in the area affected by the fire in the municipalities of Fasnia, Güímar, Arafo, Candelaria, El Rosario, Tacoronte, El Sauzal, La Matanza de Acentejo, La Victoria de Acentejo, Santa Úrsula, La Orotava and Los Realejos. In addition, the prohibition on the use of fire outdoors (bonfires, stoves, barbecues, gas stoves) and pyrotechnic displays is maintained in the area located within the Corona Forestal Natural Park of the municipalities affected by the fire.
In the rest of the areas of the municipalities affected by the fire, the use of machinery and tools is allowed, although extreme caution is requested when using them. Likewise, hunting activity is allowed.
Likewise, and for safety reasons, the following recreational areas and camping areas are temporarily closed: Chanajiga (Los Realejos), Hoya del Abade (La Victoria), La Caldera (La Orotava), La Laguneta Chica (Santa Úrsula ), Las Calderetas (El Sauzal), Las Raíces (El Rosario), Lomo La Jara (Tacoronte), Los Frailes (Arafo) and Ramón El Caminero (La Orotava).
