Candelaria recognized the work, courage and sacrifice of more than 100 people in extinguishing the forest fire. In an event held at the Cine Viejo Cultural Space they received Huga small sculpture created by the Casa Las Miquelas Pottery Center that represents union and joint effort of those who selflessly contributed to the arduous task of putting out the fire on the Villa Mariana mountain. The clasped hands symbolize the dedication to protecting the pine, a tree representative of the mountains of the Island, and the gratitude of the Canary Islands united in a gesture of recognition to those who committed to extinguishing the fire.
The mayor, Mari Britopresided over the event in which expressed his “deep gratitude” and highlighted “the courage, professionalism and respect shown by all the people involved in this titanic work”. His words highlighted the commitment and dedication of the security forces, emergency teams, municipal employees, citizens, businesses, companies and the media, underlining “the importance of joint work and solidarity in critical moments such as “the one experienced during the forest fire.”
The clasped hands symbolize the dedication to protecting the pine, a representative tree of the island’s mountains, and the gratitude of the Canary Islands.
Isabel Arbelo, a resident of Araya, represented the affected neighbors in this tribute which stands as a tribute not only to individual bravery, but to the strength of collective effort, remembering that, in the face of adversity, unity and collaboration are the most powerful tools to preserve and protect the most precious assets of our town, highlights the municipal government of Candelaria.
The act of recognition by Villa Mariana to the device that acted since the night of last August 15, when the fire was detected in Arafo, also featured the performance of the Llamalagua Group, the duo composed of Marta Rosa and María José Lugo, who They provided an emotional artistic presentation full of warmth, adding a special touch to this day.
The fire affected more than 12,000 hectares of forest on the Island, 35% in Villa Mariana
María Candelaria Delgado, Minister of Social Welfare, Equality, Youth, Children and Families of the Government of the Canary Islands; Javier Plata, subdelegate of the central government in Santa Cruz de Tenerife; and Blanca Pérez, island advisor of Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security and Emergencies. The chief general of the Civil Guardthe Youth Councilor of the Tenerife Council; the military commander of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the acting chief commissioner of the National Policeamong other authorities.
35% of the more than 12,000 hectares burned by the fire that began on August 15 and was declared extinguished on November 10 are located in Mount Candelaria, one of the twelve municipalities affected. Among the almost 13,000 evacuees at some point during the 87 days it was active, some were in homes in the high areas of the Candelaria towns of Igueste and Araya.
