SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 7 Aug. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Island Council of Tenerife extends its congratulations to the investigative team of the National Police in Puerto de la Cruz-Realejos for their successful efforts in apprehending the suspected individual behind the fire in Los Realejos on July 14, 2023.
President Rosa Dávila, First Vice President Lope Afonso, Minister for the Environment, Sustainability, Security and Emergencies Blanca Pérez, and Island Director of External Action Pedro González held a meeting today with Chief Commissioner Eloy Román of the National Police in the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Chief Commissioner Ángel Gutiérrez of the National Police in Puerto de la Cruz-Realejos, and members of Group 2 of the National Police Force in Puerto de la Cruz-Realejos who conducted the investigation into the incident.
Dávila expressed their appreciation for “the outstanding work of the National Police, particularly that of Group 2 of the Local Judicial Police Brigade in Puerto de la Cruz-Realejos in Operation Ignus, which culminated in the arrest of the suspected perpetrator of the forest fire in Los Realejos and, presumably, the individual responsible for the fires in this northern area of Tenerife over the past 23 years.”
Dávila emphasised that these actions, along with other investigations, “highlight the dedication and expertise of our State security forces in handling intricate and sensitive investigations as they have.” “We are unequivocally committed to combating arsonists, and their acts will not go unpunished. We have full confidence in those investigating these crimes and in the justice system,” she added.
On his part, Lope Afonso expressed his “admiration, gratitude, and acknowledgment of the determination and efficiency shown in an uncommon task, such as investigating a forest fire in a more rural and complex area.” “We value this display of a public service vocation, which significantly impacts our coexistence,” he stated.
Chief Commissioner Eloy Román of the National Police in the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife thanked the President of the Council for recognising the work of the National Police in Puerto de la Cruz-Realejos, who “conducted a praiseworthy job, involving a lengthy and arduous investigation that we fortunately concluded successfully.” “While we are primarily an urban force, we are concerned and actively involved in addressing forest fires,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ángel Gutiérrez expressed his appreciation for the recognition and congratulated the investigative team for their effective efforts. “It was a demanding task, but through diligent work, the suspected perpetrator of the fire was apprehended,” he remarked.
The forest fire on July 14, 2023, took place in the Barranco del Dornajito area of Los Realejos, affecting 2.6 hectares of vegetation, predominantly ferns and brambles. Thanks to the prompt response of the Cabildo’s Brifor operation, the Tenerife Firefighters Consortium, and three helicopters from the Cabildo and the Canary Islands Government, the fire was contained, preventing significant damage.
Following the investigation, the suspected perpetrator was arrested and brought to trial. The trial took place at the beginning of July, with a verdict still pending. The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Prosecutor’s Office has requested a five-year prison sentence and compensation payment of 35,000 euros to the Cabildo, 4,200 euros to the Firefighters Consortium, and 1,700 euros to the Canary Islands Government.
