Tenerife Launches Comprehensive Fire Prevention Campaign for Summer
The Cabildo of Tenerife unveiled its summer fire prevention campaign on Monday. Officials assert that this represents the “largest human, technical, and technological deployment ever seen on the island,” aiming to prevent and respond swiftly to forest fires.
Extensive Resources Mobilised
According to the island’s governing body, this initiative utilises over 760 personnel. This includes 216 professionals from the BRIFOR firefighting team, 105 additional personnel, and 176 volunteers, alongside forest firefighters, the Fire Consortium, environmental agents, and civil protection staff. Additionally, the technical structure has been bolstered by increasing emergency technicians from 8 to 11.
A highlight of this year’s campaign is the enhancement of the Rapid Intervention Brigades (BRIVAM), which are strategically located across the island to improve immediate response to fire outbreaks.
Robust Fleet of Firefighting Equipment
In terms of equipment, the campaign boasts a reinforced fleet including:
– 22 heavy forest fire engines
– Two high-capacity water tankers
– Lightweight fire engines
– 27 pick-up vehicles prepared for challenging terrain
Furthermore, the Cabildo maintains two operational helicopters year-round, supplemented by two from the state and one from the Government of the Canary Islands. The aim is to prevent minor incidents from escalating into major fires by “activating maximum response protocols during high-risk episodes, especially during heatwaves.”
Technological Advancements
The campaign also marks a significant technological leap, introducing 14 drones, two of which are equipped with thermal cameras. A monitoring system using towers with sensors, thermal cameras, and artificial intelligence will enable surveillance of up to 90% of the island’s forested areas.
Operation Prometeo
Additionally, the operation is strengthened by Operation Prometeo – Centinela Tenerife, in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and the Army, which will deploy patrols in high-risk areas until 30 September. This includes nearly 3,000 troop days and support from military drones.
The announcement took place at the Los Topos surveillance tower in Vilaflor, a key infrastructure in the island’s monitoring system.
