SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 14th August (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Canary Islands have introduced an extensive aerial surveillance system to combat forest fires through a collaboration between the regional government, island councils, and town councils. This system enables swift detection of any potential outbreaks, risky situations, or suspicious activities that could lead to a forest fire, serving both as a deterrent and a proactive measure.
The surveillance will be particularly active during the pilgrimage to Candelaria as part of the celebrations in honour of the Patron Saint of the Canary Islands. It will focus on events that attract large crowds near mountainous areas and during periods of heightened risk due to high temperatures and forest fire alerts issued by the Government of the Canary Islands.
Coordinated by the General Directorate of Emergencies, the aerial surveillance plan involves 32 drones covering various locations across the islands. Twenty drones are operated by Canarian Executive staff, twelve by the Forest Fire Prevention and Extinction Teams (EIRIF), and eight by the General Directorate of Emergencies. Additionally, twelve drones are deployed by the councils of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Palma, alongside additional drones provided by local authorities.
The Canary Islands Government also has eight helicopters at its disposal – six from the Emergency and Rescue Group (GES) and two from EIRIF. These helicopters conduct active surveillance and reconnaissance of forested areas, equipped with dual cameras that capture real-time and thermal images to aid fire-fighting teams in pinpointing locations that require immediate attention.
These resources complement the ten manned aerial vehicles – four helicopters from local councils and six from the State Administration – operating in the Canary Islands, along with 1,450 personnel and 174 ground resources dedicated to combating forest fires.
STRENGTHENING SURVEILLANCE.
The primary goal of this surveillance system is to enhance existing monitoring efforts on the ground and swiftly identify any potential incidents or suspicious activities that could spark a fire. Any such events are promptly reported to the Emergency and Security Coordination Centre (CECOES) 112.
This initiative aims to expand the surveillance and monitoring network, particularly crucial during a summer characterised by the prolonged drought in the Archipelago and the heightened risk of fires. This risk prompted the activation of pre-alerts for forest fire risks in Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro since 18th March.
In response to the precarious conditions resulting from insufficient rainfall in the previous winter and the forecast of high temperatures, additional measures have been implemented. Portable reservoirs containing 56,000 and 25,000 litres of water have been strategically positioned on the five islands with forest fire risks. These reservoirs facilitate water transport to areas lacking refuelling points for aerial vehicles and were successfully trialled in Candelaria, Tenerife, on 18th April and in Pinos de Gáldar, Gran Canaria, on 18th June.
Moreover, this campaign introduces a new light vehicle serving as an Advanced Command Post (PMA) for civil protection crisis management and emergencies. This state-of-the-art 4X4 vehicle is equipped with a satellite communication system, enabling constant connectivity with the Emergency and Security Coordination Centre (CECOES 112) through audio, image, and data transmission. It is also fitted with an integrated drone system capable of live image and audio transmission.
