SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 22nd June (EUROPA PRESS) –
In anticipation of the traditional San Juan bonfires celebration in the municipality, the Citizen Security and Emergency Services of the City Council in Santa Cruz de Tenerife have put in place an elaborate security and emergency preparedness operation. Over the past few days, efforts have focused on identifying, inspecting, and geolocating sites where significant amounts of combustible materials have been amassed for burning or where bonfires are being assembled.
On Sunday, tomorrow, an additional 46 officers from the Local Police force will reinforce the operational teams. Additional personnel from Civil Protection, including technicians, members of the Santa Cruz Civil Protection Volunteer group, and operators from the Transmission Center (Cetra) of the Operational Coordination Center of the Local Administration (Cecopal) will also be deployed. Close coordination with various municipal public services will be a key component of the operation.
Utilizing data collected by the city’s Civil Protection team on public premises, a ‘bonfire map’ is being generated. This digital document includes images of the bonfires, details of materials used, dimensions, and an assessment of associated risks. Each pyre is geolocated and checked for compliance with specific municipal bonfire regulations, as well as regulations set forth by the Cabildo of Tenerife and the Coastal Law. This information is shared with the Tenerife Firefighters Consortium and the Canary Islands 112 Emergency and Security Coordinating Center to facilitate coordinated responses to any incidents or breaches of fire control.
To streamline preventive measures, the City Council has long provided a platform on its website for prior notification of bonfires. Safety guidelines and an informative video are also available on the website.
It is important to note that bonfires are not permitted on public roads or spaces, in parks, gardens, or certain ravines, especially in the Anaga region, due to the risk of forest fires. Beach bonfires are also prohibited under Coastal legislation.
Ensure Safe Bonfires
For safety reasons, bonfires must be situated at least 20 meters away from buildings, roads, or any power lines. A minimum distance of 50 meters between bonfires is recommended; this distance should be doubled near high-risk facilities such as gas stations, warehouses, or stockpiles of flammable materials. Bonfires should not exceed three meters in height and five meters in diameter to prevent uncontrolled fires. It is crucial not to use flammable or explosive materials, tyres, or household appliances in bonfires.
Adequate cleaning around the bonfire area is essential to prevent the spread of fires due to sudden changes in wind direction. It is advisable to have a water source nearby and fire extinguishing equipment in case of emergency.
Organizers must remain present until the bonfire is completely extinguished. Information on all San Juan bonfires in Santa Cruz de Tenerife will be shared with various emergency response units including the Local Police, Civil Protection, Firefighters Consortium, Natural Environment Unit (UMEN), and 1-1-2 Canary Islands.
Citizens should be mindful that any adverse weather conditions, such as high temperatures or strong winds, could necessitate alterations to these safety measures.
