SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 13th April –
The government of Tenerife declared the fire that ignited earlier today in the Camino del Majano area of Guamasa, La Laguna, as contained just before four in the afternoon. The blaze, which affected one hectare of land filled with stubble and brambles, was a result of an outdoor barbecue on private property, as confirmed by the Island Corporation and the Local Police.
Tackling the fire, the Cabildo’s Brifor deployed a helicopter, two high tactical mobility vehicles, and one deterrent vehicle. Two environment agents, one on-duty technician, and members of the Brifor operation’s heliborne brigade ‘Brivam’ involving over 20 individuals are working on extinguishing the fire.
Additionally, firefighters from the Tenerife Firefighters Consortium, along with a team from La Laguna Park and volunteer firefighters, have joined forces to expedite the extinction process. Collaborating alongside are three Local Police patrols and other emergency resources.
La Laguna’s Local Police have already identified those responsible for the barbecue celebration. Upon confirmation of their involvement, appropriate sanctions will be imposed. The Tenerife Cabildo has enforced level 2 measures for forest fire prevention, prohibiting mountain fires and access to recreational, camping, and picnic areas.
This decree has been in effect since the previous Wednesday and will remain in place over the weekend due to the forest fire risk alert issued by the General Directorate of Emergencies of the Canary Islands government. Additionally, alerts for high temperatures and haze have been announced for Tenerife.
The decision aligns with predictions from the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) and other sources concerning the influx of continental African air impacting the island from Wednesday onwards, resulting in soaring temperatures exceeding 30ºC, reduced humidity, and haze.
Since Wednesday, the Cabildo has activated the Tenerife Island Emergency Plan and level 2 measures prohibiting outdoor fires, including barbecues, bonfires, stoves, or gas burners, and restricting the use of sparking machinery or tools. Use of pyrotechnics in high-risk areas is also banned.
Moreover, recreational travel on forest trails by motor vehicles, as well as recreational activities and events in forested areas, camping sites, and picnic spots, have been forbidden. Sporting events and pilgrimages on forest tracks are similarly restricted.
Tenerife Cabildo advises the public against entering forest zones and urges extreme caution to prevent fire outbreaks. Citizens are urged to take necessary precautions against heat and haze.
