SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 21 Jul. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The head of the Cabildo de Tenerife, Rosa Dávila, has positively assessed the capture made by the Civil Guard of a resident of San Miguel de Abona suspected of igniting a forest fire and attempting two others in the early hours of August 15, 2023, between the towns of Vilaflor and San Miguel de Abona.
Rosa Dávila has expressed gratitude for the relentless efforts of the Civil Guard and all security forces and stressed the crucial need to remain vigilant. “We will intensify the crackdown on individuals who recklessly tamper with our lives, destroy our heritage, and invade our mountains. They will face justice and will not evade imprisonment,” she stated.
She emphasised the necessity for increased collaboration and citizen involvement as any piece of information could aid in identifying these perpetrators. “We will sustain our offensive approach, rallying all available forces and resources to encircle the arsonists and ensure they face consequences for their actions,” Dávila remarked.
Consequently, two meetings are scheduled for tomorrow, Monday and Tuesday, to coordinate and enhance strategies and tactics for forest fire prevention and response. “It is imperative for all emergency personnel to operate collectively and effectively. The aim is to exchange insights, share vital information on current terrain conditions, available resources, and potential high-risk zones. We are grappling with fire outbreaks in various parts of Tenerife, many near human settlements, which heightens our concern,” the president shared.
On Monday, Rosa Dávila and Lieutenant General Julio Salom, head of the Canary Islands Command, will visit the Montaña Bermeja area within the Corona Forestal Natural Park for a coordination session with the heads of Brifor of the Cabildo, the Tenerife Firefighters Consortium, the Civil Guard, and the Army.
The subsequent day, the President has called for a ‘Summit in Defence of the Mountains and Against Arsonists’ to be held in the Noble Hall of the Cabildo. The gathering will involve the Forest Brigades (Brifor), the Tenerife Firefighters Consortium, the Army (UME), the Civil Guard (Seprona), the National Police, the Government of the Canary Islands (Emergencies and Security), the Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Autonomous Community, and the Environmental Prosecutor in Tenerife.
On behalf of the Council, the President conveyed her “profound” appreciation to all authorities and personnel who work diligently each day to safeguard human lives and the island’s natural spaces.