The Canary Islands boost forest surveillance and wildfire prevention with drones


  • 10-08-2024
  • National
  • Canarian Weekly
  • Photo Credit: 112 Canarias
The Canary Islands boost forest surveillance and wildfire prevention with drones

The Canary Islands government has introduced drones to enhance wildfire monitoring, complementing the eight helicopters already used for observation and firefighting. These drones will help identify risks or reckless behaviours that could start forest fires, especially given the current drought and high temperatures.

Although extreme heat is not expected this weekend, temperatures will remain high with a pre-alert for temperatures in excess of 36°C. As a result, a wildfire risk alert has also been issued from today for Tenerife, the western islands, and Gran Canaria.

This decision follows a meeting of the Special Civil Protection and Emergency Response Plan for Forest Fires (INFOCA), which includes local councils, fire management, state representatives, the Military Emergency Unit (UME), and the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET).

The public are advised to follow local restrictions, avoid forested areas, and report any smoke to 112 immediately. It is crucial to maintain clear zones around homes, avoid storing combustibles in dry areas, and take precautions against the heat, particularly for the elderly and children.

The Canary Islands boost forest surveillance and wildfire prevention with drones

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