SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 13 Nov (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Cabildo of Tenerife hosted a reception on Tuesday afternoon in the Noble Hall of the Insular Palace to honour the Civil Guard and particularly Seprona, for their exceptional efforts in fire management and for closing three significant investigations that led to the apprehension of three alleged arsonists responsible for igniting fires in the mountainous regions of various municipalities on the island.
Present at the event, overseen by Rosa Dávila, president of the Cabildo of Tenerife, were Colonel Ángel Sanz Coronado, Chief of the Civil Guard in the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Lieutenant Colonel Diego Comino González, head of Judicial Police and Information, insular vice president Lope Afonso, Minister of Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security and Emergencies Blanca Pérez, and the Government’s subdelegate, Jesús Javier Plata.
The occasion also united institutional representatives, members of the Civil Guard, and environmental protection staff to recognise the diligent efforts of Seprona and its dedication to safeguarding the island’s natural resources and biodiversity, as noted by the Cabildo.
During the gathering, Rosa Dávila expressed the gratitude of both the Cabildo and the populace to the Civil Guard and Seprona for their relentless work, commending the bravery and professionalism the agents display in every operation.
“Today marks a day of appreciation and acknowledgment here at the Insular Palace, where we gather to convey, on behalf of all the people of Tenerife, our heartfelt thanks to the Civil Guard and, in particular, to Seprona,” stated Dávila.
She added that “this agency has rightfully gained the respect and admiration of our society not just for its unyielding efforts, but also for its staunch commitment to protecting what is invaluable: our land, our mountains, our biodiversity and the safety of our residents.”
Lope Afonso remarked that “such acts may be simple, yet they are deeply emotional, and the sentiment stems from the nature of the recognition; indeed, one of the purposes is to directly express gratitude to the agency for its particularly significant actions regarding the well-being of the island and the preservation of our natural environment.”
COMMITMENT TO SOCIETY
The vice president noted that “this recognition reflects the extensive work they have undertaken on our island and reaffirms their commitment to our community. Furthermore, this commitment is not only acknowledged here; beyond our borders, other security forces are also aware of the value and esteem associated with the work of the Civil Guard, which is likewise valued by the citizens of Tenerife.”
President Rosa Dávila described the recent achievements of Seprona in three particularly intricate and crucial investigations for the safeguarding of Tenerife’s mountains.
In July 2023, three fires in a single night ravaged iconic areas of Vilaflor de Chasna and San Miguel de Abona, impacting regions of high natural significance, including Pino Gordo, La Vera, and Cho Pancho.
“Thanks to the professionalism and meticulousness of Seprona, in collaboration with the Central Operational Unit for the Environment (UCOMA), the apprehension of an alleged perpetrator was accomplished in July 2024, identified through comprehensive investigations that also facilitated the establishment of preventive measures to avert future incidents,” Dávila elaborated.
In the case concerning La Escalona, situated in the municipality of Vilaflor, Seprona conducted an exhaustive probe into a series of fifteen fires that transpired between August 2023 and June 2024, causing significant damage to both urban infrastructure and agricultural and woodland areas.
This inquiry culminated in the apprehension of an individual found in possession of items that could ignite fires, including lighters and flammable substances.
Dávila explained that this operation “reaffirms Seprona’s dedication to protecting Tenerife’s environment and highlights how the force not only focuses on surveillance but also diligently addresses and resolves these environmental crimes.”
The third case, located in El Rosario municipality, transpired in July 2024 concerning two fires in the La Esperanza area, impacting over five hectares of vegetation in the Barranco La Huerta.
THOROUGH INVESTIGATION
Seprona’s meticulous investigation enabled agents to pinpoint the precise origin of the fire, facilitating the gathering of compelling evidence that led to the arrest of the alleged perpetrator, who is currently in preventive custody.
“Each of these probes epitomises the effort and resolve of Seprona to safeguard our natural resources and ensure the peace of our citizens,” stated Dávila, emphasising that “these initiatives have not only resulted in the apprehension of those accountable for these serious occurrences but have also restored peace and security to the people of Tenerife.”
The president also noted that since the apprehension of these “alleged arsonists”, no further similar fires have been reported, “and that is due to the unwavering, meticulous, and committed work of Seprona and the Civil Guard.”
Colonel Ángel Sanz Coronado, in turn, expressed his gratitude to the Tenerife Cabildo for this recognition, emphasising the vital collaboration between the Civil Guard and local authorities in safeguarding the island.
“These achievements are the product of a collective effort and an unwavering dedication we owe to the safety and conservation of Tenerife, an island we serve with pride,” asserted the colonel, who further noted that “the work of the Civil Guard specialists alongside Seprona extends far beyond environmental oversight, requiring technical training and investigative precision that enables not only the identification of those responsible for such incidents but also the anticipation of future threats.”
Concluding the event, the president of the Cabildo reiterated the significance of this collaboration and the “unwavering” commitment of Seprona to environmental protection and the safety of the populace.
“This partnership is fundamental for preserving our environment and ensuring the tranquillity of those who reside within it. To all Seprona agents, I convey our profound gratitude on behalf of the Tenerife Cabildo. Their precision, discipline, and daily commitment underpin the protection of our island,” concluded Dávila.
