The leader of the Cabildo of Tenerife, Rosa Dávila, and the commanding officer and chief of the Canary Islands Command, Julio Salom, paid a visit to the Montaña Bermeja region on Monday. They conducted a coordination meeting with the forest fire operation authorities of the Cabildo’s Brifor, the Firefighters Consortium, the Civil Guard, and the Army.
Also present at the event were the Minister for the Environment, Sustainability, Security and Emergencies, Blanca Pérez; the Island Director for the Environment, Pedro Millán, and the Island Director for Security and Emergencies, Iván Martín.
The visit was an opportunity to introduce the operation that will be implemented during the summer months, with the Army contributing 920 patrols. This collaboration aims to enhance the preventive efforts in fighting fires to safeguard the mountains and the island of Tenerife. “It is not just about being present during operations, but citizen involvement is crucial,” stated Rosa Dávila.
“This is the most extensive deployment in the history of the Canary Islands. It is a system that operates nearly all year round in the Cabildo and during the summer campaign, it involves 600 personnel from Brifor, the Environment agents, and the Firefighters Consortium, with the recent addition of the Army. In this collaborative framework, we have the Army and the State security forces and bodies, particularly the Civil Guard,” explained the president.
Aside from the fire prevention and extinguishing tasks, efforts are being made to monitor and identify arsonists. “Yesterday we were informed of the excellent work done by Seprona, revealing that one of the arsonists who set fire to the mountain last year is now in prison,” Dávila mentioned.
The president asserted that the message to the arsonists is clear: “We are closing in on them. There is a very thorough and diligent investigation, supported by the courts and the Environmental Prosecutor’s Office. Tomorrow, we are convening a summit at the Cabildo to protect the mountains of Tenerife and combat arsonists. 90% of fires are caused by humans, and sometimes, these are deliberate acts that we must stop,” she emphasised.
MILITARY PATROLS
On his part, the commanding officer and chief of the Canary Islands Command, Julio Salom, highlighted that since July 1, the Army patrols have been active in the various areas assigned by Cecopin, carrying out surveillance and deterrence tasks. “Primarily, we need to raise awareness among all individuals venturing into the mountains due to the fire risk. We are also cooperating with Seprona, Brifor, and Cecopin, coordinating the patrols,” explained Salom.
He emphasised that Operation Prometeo “has been executed swiftly, primarily in response to last year’s fire.” “It is not simple for administrations to reach a consensus swiftly and efficiently. Our patrols are thoroughly scanning the forest and interacting with the civilian population while conducting their presence and surveillance tasks. They are familiar with the terrain, navigating it; I believe it is a commendable operation for us, showing our commitment to the environment and the island. The Army is prepared to assist with any requirements,” Salom concluded.
