Due to the prevailing heat wave across much of the Archipelago today, the Government of the Canary Islands declared a fire alert starting from 7 a.m. yesterday in line with the recommendations of experts.
While the Island Council of Tenerife has not taken any specific measures yet, the situation could potentially lead to the closure of the mountains, making it impossible for the usual pilgrimage along the historic and lesser-known paths for the upcoming festival of the Virgin of Candelaria on Thursday, the 15th.
The Directorate General for Emergencies of the Community announced yesterday the forest fire alert in Tenerife, La Gomera, and El Hierro starting from 800 metres above sea level, and in La Palma starting from 1,000 metres except in the North and Northeast of La Isla Bonita, where it starts from 1,400 metres. On Gran Canaria, the alert is set from 800 metres on the middle northern slope and 400 metres in the South.
This is a result of the high temperatures expected to persist without a definite end date, affecting the mid-mountain areas, highlands, and summits of these islands, particularly on the eastern, southern, and western slopes. Maximum temperatures may exceed 30-32º C in the Western Islands and 34-36 in Gran Canaria.
Moreover, a light haze is anticipated at higher altitudes, with relative humidity expected to be below 30% (a critical factor in fires) above 800 metres and from 400 metres on the Redonda Island. The forecast also includes a “weak to moderate” trade wind in the forested areas, along with a prolonged meteorological drought and high water stress on vegetation. As customary, the Emergency Department urges compliance with the restrictions imposed by the councils.
When asked about the potential closure of the Tenerife mountains to the public, the island government clarified to DIARIO DE AVISOS yesterday that no decision has been made yet, and the situation will be re-evaluated next week. The Cabildo will base its actions on the technical reports from the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) and the Government of the Canary Islands.
LIMITATIONS
As per the island authority, the administration was already informed of the fire alert declaration from today following a pre-alert for high temperatures. However, at present, “the pilgrimage is ongoing, and any changes will be communicated promptly, as it is still Friday, and there are days ahead with more accurate forecasts.”
Nonetheless, the island administration did decide yesterday that starting from 7:00 a.m. today, grade 1 measures will be enforced for fire prevention. This includes the prohibition of lighting fires in recreational and outdoor areas (such as barbecues, bonfires, gas stoves, or cookers), as well as the use of any machinery or tools that may cause sparks (like brush cutters, welding equipment, or radial saws). Usage of pyrotechnic materials in high-risk areas is also prohibited. Moreover, smoking is banned in recreational zones, camping sites, tracks, viewpoints, and other public facilities in the mountains, with a call for extreme caution throughout the island of Tenerife.
