Government declares pre-alert for forest fires due to change in weather conditions

The Canary Islands Government, through the Directorate General of Emergencies, has issued a pre-alert for wildfire risk effective from 8:00am today, Thursday 7th November 2024. The pre-alert applies to Tenerife and the western islands (La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro) as well as the island of Gran Canaria. The alert is in effect for areas situated above 400 metres above sea level.

This declaration is based on data provided by the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) and other relevant sources. It is implemented under the Special Civil Protection and Emergency Response Plan for Wildfires of the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands (INFOCA).

Earlier this year, the Canary Islands were under a forest fire pre-alert for over seven months, starting on March 18th due to adverse weather conditions. This state of alert was lifted on October 28th following improvements in the situation. However, recent weather forecasts of increasing temperatures have prompted INFOCA experts to advise reinstating the pre-alert to mitigate potential wildfire risks.

Weather Forecast

Forecasts indicate a period of dry and warm air and calima, accompanied by south and southeast winds. These conditions are expected to cause wind accelerations on the leeward sides of the northern and western islands. Additionally, a temperature inversion is anticipated at lower altitudes, with relative humidity dropping below 30% starting at 600 metres on Friday and at 400 metres over the weekend. These factors contribute to an ongoing long-term meteorological drought affecting the eastern, southern, and western slopes of the islands.

Public Recommendations

In response to the pre-alert, the Government of the Canary Islands urges residents and visitors to take all necessary precautions to prevent forest fires. Key recommendations include:

• Proper Disposal of Waste: Never discard lit cigarette butts or matches in forested areas. Ensure that all waste is disposed of properly to prevent ignition sources.
• Camping Guidelines: Avoid camping outside designated areas, particularly in remote locations away from access roads. Use only authorised zones to minimise fire risks.
• Immediate Reporting: If smoke is observed in a forested area, promptly call emergency services at 112. Provide the most accurate possible location details to facilitate a swift response.
• Adherence to Local Restrictions: Comply with any access limitations and activity restrictions imposed by local councils and municipalities. These measures are in place to reduce the likelihood of fire outbreaks until the risk diminishes.

The Tenerife Cabildo is actively working to reopen forested areas to the public with enhanced safety measures. The Government emphasizes the importance of community cooperation in safeguarding the natural landscapes of the Canary Islands during this high-risk period.