The Tenerife Cabildo has declared that the fire outbreak in the Camino del Majano area in Guamasa, La Laguna municipality, supposedly caused by an outdoor barbecue, has been brought under control, as informed by the Local Police.
The Cabildo’s Brifor team is actively involved in extinguishing the fire, employing a helicopter; two high tactical mobility vehicles and a deterrent vehicle; two Environment agents and a duty technician, along with members of the Brifor operation’s heliborne brigade, ‘Brivam’. The operation comprises over 20 individuals.
Additionally, Tenerife Firefighters Consortium members, including a crew from La Laguna Park and volunteer firefighters from the same municipality, are participating in the extinguishing efforts. Three patrols of the Local Police are also aiding other emergency resources.
The individuals celebrating the barbecue on private property, suspected of causing the fire outbreak, have been identified by the Local Police of La Laguna. Once culpability is established, sanctions will be imposed.
A dense cloud of smoke is visible from various nearby points.
The Tenerife Cabildo has enforced level 2 measures for forest fire prevention, including the prohibition of lighting fires in mountainous areas and accessing recreational spots, camping areas, and campsites.
These measures have been active since last Wednesday and will continue throughout the weekend, in response to the forest fire risk alert declared by the General Directorate of Emergencies of the Canary Islands Government. Additionally, a heatwave alert and a pre-alert for haze have been issued on the island of Tenerife.
This decision was taken based on forecasts from the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) and other sources regarding the influx of continental African air affecting the island since Wednesday, leading to a significant temperature rise – exceeding 30ºC – decreased humidity, and the arrival of haze.
The Tenerife Island Emergency Plan has been active since Wednesday, maintaining level 2 measures that prohibit outdoor fires – including barbecues, bonfires, stoves, or gas cookers – as well as the use of any equipment that may produce sparks (such as brush cutters, welding tools, or radial saws).
Moreover, the use of pyrotechnic materials in high-risk areas is banned. Also, the movement of motor vehicles on forest tracks for recreational purposes and gatherings in recreational areas, camping sites, and campsites are restricted. Sporting events and pilgrimages on forest trails are also prohibited.
Emphasizing the need for prevention, the Cabildo has urged the public to be cautious due to the prevailing high temperatures in the Canary Islands. “The safety of all citizens is paramount,” they stressed.
