On Wednesday, the Tenerife Island Council evacuated 217 individuals who were staying at campsites and camping areas on the island due to the risk of a forest fire. The island council activated level 2 measures for forest fire prevention, considering the weather conditions that are expected to reach temperatures up to 34 degrees on the island of Tenerife.
The President of the Council, Rosa Dávila, explained that due to the forest fire risk, 217 individuals have been evacuated from various camping areas. “Our priority is to ensure the safety of individuals, and we have taken this preventive measure due to the high temperatures affecting the island. Once again, we urge the population to avoid any activities that could start a fire,” she said. Specifically, 64 people were evacuated from the Madre del Agua campsite (Granadilla), 36 people from the El Lagar campsite (Icod de los Vinos), and 117 people from the Scout Center-Orticosa (Arafo).
Rosa Dávila emphasised that level 2 measures involve the prohibition of outdoor fires, including barbecues, bonfires, gas stoves, and the suspension of forest activities, as well as the use of any machinery or tools that could spark (such as brush cutters, welding equipment, or cutting grinders). Additionally, the use of any pyrotechnic material in high-risk areas is also prohibited.
217 individuals evacuated from campsites and camping areas in Tenerife due to fire risk / TENERIFE ISLAND COUNCIL
The council president reiterated the ban on smoking in recreational areas, campsites, tracks, trails, viewpoints, and other public infrastructures located in the mountains, with fines ranging from 200 to 600 Euros. She also mentioned that, in collaboration with the Brifor Operation, there will be military patrols from the Prometeo operation monitoring the mountain 24 hours a day to prevent any potential fires.
Level 2 measures also prohibit the circulation of motor vehicles on the forest track network for recreational purposes and staying in recreational areas, campsites. Sporting events and pilgrimages on forest tracks and trails are not permitted, and cross-country activities are suspended. Moreover, mouflon control sessions have been cancelled.
The population is urged by the Council to follow the recommendations of health authorities, which include drinking plenty of water (even if not thirsty) to avoid dehydration, using sunscreen, sunglasses, and lightweight, light-colored clothing, seeking shelter in shaded areas, and limiting outdoor activities during the hottest hours (between 12:00 and 16:00). In terms of caring for vulnerable individuals, special attention is advised for children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses, who are more susceptible to the effects of extreme heat.
