Restrictions on Bonfires for San Juan Night Celebrations
The celebration of San Juan Night will once again gather thousands of people across various locations in Tenerife this Tuesday, 23rd June. However, this year, the festivities are accompanied by an important notice: bonfires will generally not be permitted in areas designated as high fire risk by the Cabildo.
### High Fire Risk Alert
The island corporation reminds residents that the Government of the Canary Islands has declared a pre-alert due to the increased risk of wildfires, stemming from high temperatures. Consequently, precautions are urged during a night when fire is traditionally the main attraction.
### Areas Prohibited for Bonfires
The Cabildo emphasises that, as a general rule, lighting bonfires is banned in regions identified as high fire risk. These areas are marked on the Tenerife On platform, allowing the public to check if a specific location falls under any restrictions.
For a bonfire to be authorised in a forested area, it must include a specific safety plan and appropriate measures to control the burn. Without these requirements, permission cannot be granted.
### Permission Required from the Local Council
In areas outside the fire risk zones, notifying the relevant local council in writing is also essential before holding a bonfire. The request must detail the exact location and provide the name of an adult responsible for the activity. This is to ensure qualified personnel can assess the site and implement necessary preventive measures prior to granting approval.
Moreover, the Cabildo recommends obtaining civil liability insurance to cover potential damages to third parties or public property.
### Prohibited Materials for Bonfires
Not just anything can be used to light a bonfire. The Cabildo reminds residents that burning waste not of plant origin, which may emit harmful gases, is prohibited. Items that must not be burned include:
– Tyres
– Varnished furniture
– Domestic appliances
– Plastics
– Containers
– Materials that may contain flammable substances
– Aerosols or any objects susceptible to explosion
These items should be taken to a recycling point or disposed of in the appropriate bins.
### Special Emergency Services Deployment
A special emergency operation will be deployed for San Juan Night in Tenerife. The operation will consist of 65 professionals from the Tenerife Fire Consortium, along with 50 volunteer firefighters and 37 members of the Brifor operational team. Civil Protection groups and other volunteer organisations will also be available to assist municipalities during the festivities.
The Cabildo asks people to apply common sense and adhere to basic safety measures before, during, and after lighting a bonfire. Key recommendations include:
– Clearing at least three metres around the bonfire, removing vegetation and any flammable materials.
– Creating a safety perimeter to prevent spectators from getting too close.
– Placing the bonfire in an area where wind won’t carry sparks to nearby vegetation.
– Avoiding location near public roads, as smoke may cause accidents.
– Keeping it no less than 50 metres away from buildings.
– Maintaining a distance of at least 20 metres from power lines, telephones, vehicles, or other installations.
– Ensuring materials piled do not exceed 1.50 metres in height.
– Having a hose with sufficient pressure and length to surround the bonfire.
– Not using petrol, alcohol, solvents, or other flammable products for ignition.
– Not throwing aerosols or materials that may explode.
– Completely extinguishing the bonfire with water upon finishing.
### Emergency Contact
In case of any incident on San Juan Night, the Cabildo reminds everyone to immediately call the emergency number 112. While the San Juan celebration is a deeply rooted tradition in Tenerife, this year’s high temperatures and fire risk necessitate heightened caution. The clear recommendation from the authorities is to check permitted areas, request authorisation, and refrain from lighting fires unless all safety conditions are met.
