Tenerife will have an unprecedented deployment this summer for the prevention of wildfires thanks to the Prometheus Operation, a joint initiative between the Army and the Tenerife Cabildo. Between 1 July and 30 September, 920 military patrols will be mobilised, and two helicopters equipped with night vision from the VI Helicopter Maneuver Battalion (BHELMA VI) will be incorporated.
This operation, taking place for the second consecutive year, aims to enhance early detection and response capabilities against potential wildfires, especially during the peak risk months.
Agreement to protect Tenerife’s territory
The agreement enabling this deployment was signed by the President of the Tenerife Cabildo, Rosa Dávila, and the Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles. Thanks to this agreement, a total of 2,300 military personnel will participate in various phases of surveillance and support during the summer months.
The Prometheus Operation will be under the supervision of Lieutenant Julio Salom, Head of the Land Operational Command, who will ensure continuous monitoring in locations identified as high risk by forest experts from the Tenerife Cabildo.
Advanced technology to improve night surveillance
Night vision helicopters are crucial for this operation. These aircraft allow flights in low visibility conditions, thus enhancing coverage in hard-to-access areas during the night. They are equipped with thermal sensors and specialised cameras that facilitate the early detection of any signs of fire.
Additionally, the patrols, consisting of groups of two soldiers with a vehicle, will primarily patrol areas where the population is closer to the forested zones, known as urban-forest interface areas. This vigilance helps deter negligence or deliberate actions that could cause wildfires.
Training and preparation of the operation
Lieutenant Julio Salom emphasised that, unlike the start of the Prometheus Operation in 2023, this year’s operation is “much better prepared” thanks to training sessions conducted with forestry teams and the Civil Guard. These sessions have better equipped the soldiers to act with greater efficiency and coordination in fire prevention and control.
Constant surveillance of Tenerife’s mountains
The Tenerife Cabildo President, Rosa Dávila, highlighted that during last summer, when the Prometheus Operation was activated for the first time, no major wildfires were recorded in Tenerife. This, she noted, is not a coincidence but the result of a consistent strategy of surveillance and active prevention.
“We know that the causes of wildfires are various, but military presence at strategic points discourages those who may attempt to cause deliberate harm. Furthermore, it fosters confidence among the rural population and allows for active communication with the neighbours. It is not just about putting out fires, but also about preventing them,” concluded Dávila.
