The Tenerife Cabildo has activated Grade 2 forest fire prevention measures and banned public access to many forest areas as soaring temperatures significantly increase the risk of wildfires across the island.

The restrictions came into force yesterday, Tuesday, as Tenerife braces for temperatures of up to 37°C, with the hottest conditions expected in the mid-altitude areas, the south of the island and the municipality of El Rosario.

Forest Access Restricted

As part of the emergency measures, the Cabildo has ordered the immediate closure of:

• All recreational and BBQ areas
• Public campsites
• Forest camping zones
• Forest tracks to motor vehicles

The aim is to reduce the risk of accidental fires during the current heatwave.

Cabildo President Rosa Dávila urged both residents and visitors to respect the restrictions, saying the measures are designed to minimise the risk of any wildfire starting while protecting both people and Tenerife's natural environment.

Additional Activities Suspended

The island's Councillor for Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security and Emergencies, Blanca Pérez, described the move as an essential preventive measure given the extreme conditions affecting Tenerife's forests.

In addition to closing forest areas, the Cabildo has temporarily suspended forestry work and banned the use of machinery or tools capable of producing sparks in rural areas or near vegetation.

What Is Prohibited?

While the Grade 2 measures remain in force, the following activities are prohibited across Tenerife's forested areas:

• Lighting barbecues, bonfires, camping stoves or gas cookers
• Using brush cutters, chainsaws, welding equipment or angle grinders
• Smoking in recreational areas, campsites, forest tracks, hiking trails and viewpoints
• Using fireworks or other pyrotechnics in high-risk areas
• Hunting activities
• Sporting events taking place on forest tracks, trails or cross-country routes
• Traditional romerías (pilgrimage celebrations) in forest areas

Health Advice During the Heatwave

The Cabildo is also reminding the public to take extra precautions during the extreme temperatures. Residents and visitors are advised to:

• Drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty.
• Wear lightweight, light-coloured clothing.
• Apply sunscreen regularly.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activities between 12:00pm and 4:00pm, when temperatures are expected to be at their highest.
• Take extra care of children, older people and anyone with chronic health conditions.

Authorities are urging everyone to follow the restrictions until the heatwave eases, stressing that preventing even a single wildfire is crucial during this period of exceptionally high temperatures and dry conditions.