Fire at Tenerife Environmental Complex Controlled
Status of the Fire
Blanca Pérez, the Councillor for Natural Environment, Sustainability, Safety and Emergencies at the Cabildo of Tenerife, confirmed that the fire reported on Wednesday night at a materials storage area in the Tenerife Environmental Complex (PIRS) is now “controlled.” However, firefighting efforts will continue throughout the day. “We are still working on it. There are no large flames, the perimeter is secured, and during the night we managed to prevent it from spreading or affecting the complex’s facilities,” Pérez explained.
Origin and Materials Involved
According to the Cabildo, the fire started in a cardboard storage area within the facility. Two 3,000-litre BFP fire trucks and a water supply truck were dispatched to the scene. The material involved was noted to be highly compressed.
Pérez reported that the fire did not reach the warehouses where materials are sorted. “What was burning consisted mainly of stacks of already sorted material, particularly cardboard and plastic, with a small amount of metal cans as well,” she clarified.
Challenges in Extinguishing the Fire
The Councillor acknowledged the complexity of the firefighting efforts, as part of the accumulated material is highly compacted, making complete extinguishment more challenging. “It is being left to burn a bit because it acts like a torch,” she noted. Environmental authorities expect emergency teams to remain in the area throughout the day to ensure complete extinguishment and prevent any re-ignition.