On the night of 15th August 2023, the most severe forest fire ever registered in Tenerife broke out in the Arafo Heights. The flames ravaged 12,000 hectares across twelve municipalities and led to the evacuation of around 12,000 residents. The devastating fire posed a threat to numerous endangered species of flora and fauna, including the laurel forest in areas where it is attempting to recover, as well as other endemic species. It even reached the Teide National Park and surrounded the facilities of the Izaña Observatory.
Yesterday, the Tenerife Island Council expressed gratitude for the efforts of the 2,000 professionals and volunteers who participated in tackling this immense forest fire. The island’s president, Rosa Dávila, conveyed her “heartfelt appreciation to all those who dedicated relentless efforts and courageously battled against the destructive fire.”
“A year on from the incident, it is fitting to honour all those who were engaged in this challenging struggle, showcasing their unwavering dedication to Tenerife. The solidarity and bravery exhibited by these professionals merit our acknowledgment and ongoing support in the restoration and recovery of our island. While we are currently engaged in this mission, it is only just to recognise the work carried out by professionals and volunteers during the fire,” Dávila elaborated yesterday.
Over the past year, the Cabildo has undertaken various initiatives to restore the impacted forests and areas, with an investment of 7.5 million Euros. Additionally, a further investment of 29 million Euros is scheduled between this year and 2026 for forest regeneration and measures to address the risks of fallen trees, landslides, and erosion.
The primary efforts focused on replacing radiata pine specimens with monteverde. Additionally, measures were implemented to combat erosion risks through the creation of protective layers, fascines, embankments, breakwaters, and masonry dams, among others.
Employment Strategy
The Cabildo has assigned more than two million Euros to an employment strategy aimed at restoring the affected areas. The project has been conducted in collaboration with the Canary Islands Employment Service and has facilitated the employment of 63 individuals since March 2024. Furthermore, prevention, surveillance, and firefighting operations for forest fires have been enhanced. Currently, the Brifor operation involves approximately 600 individuals – inclusive of the 240 professional staff of the Firefighters Consortium – along with material resources, including two helicopters, one of which is operational throughout the year.
Moreover, in June, the Cabildo forged an agreement to establish a cooperative framework to enhance environmental and territorial protection, as well as security and civil defense during the 2024 fire season. This agreement led to the launch of Operation Prometeo, through which 920 military patrols will be deployed in the mountains of Tenerife around the clock from 1st July to 30th September.
Another significant milestone was the introduction of the Medianía Plan for fire prevention and the enhancement of natural and agricultural biodiversity. The objective is to advise property owners residing in these areas to implement self-protection measures in their residences and farms, reduce vegetative fuel loads, and enhance natural and agricultural biodiversity.
In recent weeks, law enforcement agencies have apprehended suspected arsonists and are awaiting the trial of the alleged perpetrator of the Los Realejos fire in July 2023.
Additionally, a summit was convened to safeguard the mountains and combat arson, along with the launch of Tenerife Renace, Tótems Tenerife, Jornadas Forestales (Forest Days), and the endorsement of the Declaration for the management of major wildfire projects.
