A large cloud of smoke seen rising near a shopping centre in Gran Canaria caused panic among residents on Tuesday afternoon, but firefighters have since confirmed there was no danger to the public.
The smoke was spotted close to the Los Alisios Shopping Centre in Tamaraceite, prompting concern on social media, where some users feared it could be a wildfire, an industrial accident, or even a car fire.
Firefighters from Las Palmas were sent to the scene, but it was quickly confirmed that the blaze was a planned burn-off, something that’s regularly carried out in the area to prevent more serious fires.
The fire was deliberately lit in a nearby ravine known for building up dry grass, debris and rubbish. Despite the thick smoke, emergency services said it was under control and posed no risk to residents or businesses nearby.
The incident led to dozens of posts and images circulating online within minutes, as people speculated about the cause. But authorities say this type of controlled fire is a routine measure used to reduce the threat of wildfires during the dry season.
Residents are being urged not to panic and to wait for official updates before sharing information online.
