Yesterday, the Tenerife Island Council entered into a partnership with the Ministry of Defence to prevent wildfires by involving the military in monitoring natural areas. The agreement, named Operation Prometheus, was formalised at the General Captaincy of the Canary Islands with the participation of Tenerife’s president, Rosa Dávila, General José López del Pozo from the General Directorate of Defence Policy, General Julio Salom from the Canary Islands Command, and General Luis Cortés Delgado, Chief of the General Staff of the Canary Islands Command.
Dávila described the event as “a historic and unparalleled occasion in the Canary Islands, and the second of its kind nationwide signed by the Defence. “Operation Prometheus will deploy 10 ground patrols daily until a total of 920 patrols are active during the campaign period. This will ensure round-the-clock surveillance of Tenerife’s mountains, especially during critical months like July, August, and September.”
Starting from July 1 to September 30, the Military will not only monitor and maintain a visible presence to deter, but also provide vital information to firefighting services and promptly alert law enforcement about any suspicious activities. It is worth noting that the majority of fires are human-caused, either deliberately or due to negligence. The patrols will focus on high-risk zones of the island and also assist in safeguarding lives and property in case of a fire outbreak.
The military patrols will bolster the existing surveillance efforts of over 600 Brifor and firefighters, bringing the total number of personnel dedicated to prevention efforts to approximately 630 individuals daily. Each team will be equipped with GPS devices, up-to-date digital maps, and Tetra communication tools to ensure seamless connectivity and coordination with other teams.
In a statement, General Fernando López del Pozo, Director of Defence Policy, affirmed that “this agreement will enable coordinated patrols across the island involving both the residents of Tenerife and forces from the Canary Islands command, all working together with specialists in the field to enhance prevention measures.”
