The City Council of Santa Cruz has made the decision to close the recreational and bonfire area of Las Mesas Park, following the resolution of the Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security and Emergencies department of the Tenerife Island Council. This action is part of the extraordinary activation of level 2 measures for forest fire prevention starting at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, July 24, until 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 28.
This new resolution from the Tenerife Island Council, which escalates the forest fire prevention measures from level 1 to level 2, is implemented in the context of the forest risk alert declared by the Government of the Canary Islands. In addition, a pre-alert has been issued for a heatwave episode on the island of Tenerife, with temperatures expected to exceed 34 degrees.
As part of the new measures, it is prohibited to light outdoor fires such as bonfires, campfires, barbecues, or gas stoves. Firework displays are also forbidden, along with smoking in recreational areas, camping sites, tracks, roads, and other public infrastructure. The use of machinery and tools that may cause sparks, forestry activities, recreational use of motor vehicles on forest tracks, sporting events, and pilgrimages on forest trails and cross-country routes are also prohibited. Moreover, scheduled mouflon control days are cancelled.
It is recommended to avoid entering or staying in forest areas of the island and to take utmost care with any activities that could cause fires (such as smoking, using electric generators, electrical appliances, pyrotechnic materials, etc.). Private activities not banned in high-risk zones should implement necessary measures to address the current risk situation.
The City Council of Santa Cruz de Tenerife also urges residents to exercise caution until the end of the alert and pre-alert period to mitigate potential risks and hazards, monitoring any updates through the General Directorate of Security and Emergencies of the Canary Islands Government.
To protect against high temperatures, the city council advises seeking shelter in shaded areas, keeping homes closed as much as possible to maintain a cool environment. Furthermore, it is recommended to avoid engaging in sports activities during the hottest hours of the day.
