Operation Prometeo was launched on Monday by the Tenerife Island Council and the Ministry of Defence. The operation involves deploying military patrols in the island’s mountains 24 hours a day from 1 July to 30 September to prevent forest fires. The decision to involve the Army in these tasks has been criticised by the CCOO union, which views it as a regression in forest fire prevention and surveillance policies.
The departure of the first patrol from the Hoya Fría barracks was attended by the President of the Cabildo, Rosa Dávila, the Chief of Staff of the Canary Islands Command, Luis Cortés, and the Brigadier General and head of the 16th Canary Islands Brigade, Ricardo Esteban, according to the island corporation.
Operation Prometeo, led by the 16th Canarias Brigade, comprises 32 soldiers and 14 vehicles. They will provide 24-hour coverage to the mountains of Tenerife from July to September, conducting a total of 920 patrols.
Apart from monitoring and maintaining an active presence as a deterrent, the Army will also provide critical information to firefighting services and report any suspicious activities to security forces.
The operation complements the efforts of more than 600 professionals in the Cabildo’s Brifor Operation, which includes personnel from the Tenerife Firefighters Consortium. They will work together to monitor and protect Tenerife, especially in mid-mountain areas that constitute 25% of the island’s territory.
Advanced technology such as GPS devices, digital cartography, and Tetra communication tools under constant surveillance are integrated into this military operation.
Rosa Dávila expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Defence, the Army, and all personnel of the 16th Canarias Brigade for their involvement in this unprecedented initiative in the Canary Islands.
Dávila added, “Their dedication and commitment are crucial in ensuring surveillance and deterrence against forest fires, especially during the heightened risk in summer. They further reinforce the Brifor operation we execute from the Cabildo.”
Luis Cortés, the Chief of Staff of the Canary Islands Command, emphasized that the patrols are deployed to enhance surveillance and observation in areas identified by Cabildo technicians.
Brigadier General and head of the 16th Canary Islands Brigade, Ricardo Esteban, outlined the operation’s four key aspects: ground patrols for 24/7 surveillance and deterrence, ongoing presence in rural areas, an active information dissemination strategy, collaboration with the Cabildo’s Emergency Service and State security forces, and a flexible duration.
Controversy over the Agreement
The CCOO union regards the Army’s involvement in Tenerife’s tasks as “a step back in forest fire prevention and surveillance policies.”
The organisation insists on prioritising more resources and measures “to prevent another major fire” like the one last summer, rather than involving the Army.
Therefore, according to the union, the Tenerife Council should encourage the recruitment of environmental officers, “who possess the authority to monitor and patrol the mountains, and even consider utilising experienced personnel from the firefighting unit who are no longer able to be in the frontline.”
CCOO further elaborates, stating that “we also have personnel with high expertise and, most importantly, individuals who are native to the island and possess extensive knowledge of the mountains and local residents.”
The union has requested the island administration to adhere to the agreement made with the Army to ensure that they are prepared to “take legal action, including appeals and potential lawsuits, should there be any violation of its authorities or failure to uphold them.”
The agreement between the Tenerife Island Council and the Army was officially signed in mid-June at the Palace of the Captaincy General of the Canary Islands.
