The Civil Guard is currently investigating what appears to be an intentional fire at a residence in Charco del Pino, located within the municipality of Granadilla de Abona. Fortunately, no one was injured as the owner was not at home at the time of the incident.
A concerned neighbour expressed to this publication yesterday, “If he had been inside, he wouldn’t have made it out.” This comment reflects the alarming scale of the blaze, which erupted shortly after 10 pm last Monday. The inferno obliterated both the furniture and appliances within the house, in addition to devastating a neighbouring orchard. Following the extinguishing of the flames, specialised Civil Guard agents collected samples for their investigation. This is the third instance in the past year and a half that this residence in Charco del Pino has experienced a fire (all occurring at night), reinforcing the investigators’ theory of a potential vendetta; allegedly involving a close relative of the owner currently on the mainland. Several residents reported to the Granadilla de Abona Local Police that shortly after the incident, they witnessed an unfamiliar individual leaving the vicinity along the road. The authorities were taken aback as the direction he was heading did not correspond with the location he claimed he was going to.
NEIGHBOURHOOD ANXIETY
There is a palpable sense of “anxiety” among residents, given that this is not an isolated criminal act, leading to fears of future incidents. Some community members are calling for the installation of floodlights and security cameras to enhance their feeling of safety.
In early April 2024, residents of Charco del Pino and the town of Granadilla de Abona reported incidents involving the throwing of several incendiary bottles at various homes, as well as graffiti referring to two individuals in private residences, a school, and the local football pitch in Charco del Pino.
Some residents recounted to DIARIO DE AVISOS that the assault with Molotov cocktails commenced approximately ten months prior, targeting the front doors of four homes, one of which was notably the residence that experienced the fire last Monday, January 6.
These assaults transpired during the night, elevating the risk of potential casualties, due to either smoke inhalation or exposure to the flames.
