The Tenerife Council is urging citizens to assist in identifying two individuals suspected of arson who are believed to be responsible for the recent series of forest fire incidents in El Rosario and the northern region of the island. President of the council, Rosa Dávila, unequivocally stated to the press, “Let’s apprehend them”.
In line with this, Dávila confirmed that the Army, which has been conducting surveillance patrols in Tenerife’s mountains since July 1 to prevent forest fires, has intensified its efforts in areas where the suspected arsonists may be located. The Civil Guard and National Police forces are also actively engaged in the same endeavour.
The council emphasises the importance of citizen cooperation in locating and apprehending the alleged perpetrators of the recent incidents in El Rosario and Los Realejos. Rosa Dávila stressed, “Witness collaboration with the authorities is crucial.”
The Civil Guard and the Local Police of El Rosario are conducting an investigation and have taken statements from multiple witnesses who observed the ignition of a fire that began around 11:00 p.m. last Sunday in Lomo Pelado, scorching approximately seven hectares of undergrowth, dry vegetation, shrubbery, broom, and eucalyptus. This marks the second fire in the municipality within a brief period, following a fire identified on Los Nateros street, adjacent to the main La Esperanza road.
On Monday morning, a third fire erupted at Mirador del Lance (Los Realejos), while a fourth blaze ignited in an orchard area in Buen Paso (Icod de los Vinos) later in the day. Various leads are being pursued and authorities are exploring potential links between these two northern island fires and the probable involvement of last year’s major fire, the most destructive in 40 years, impacting a dozen Tenerife municipalities.
Fifteen days ago, Civil Guard officers from the Nature Protection Service apprehended an individual in the La Escalona neighbourhood, Vilaflor de Chasna, suspected of igniting 15 fires (all during the early morning hours) that ravaged forests, agricultural lands, and public property. The suspect was found with four lighters, four inflammable sprays, three knives, and a multi-purpose blade.
Recently, a suspect linked to a forest fire in the upper Los Realejos area in July 2023 stood trial in the Provincial Court. The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Prosecutor’s Office has sought a five-year prison term.
