Tenerife Activates Grade I Fire Prevention Measures
Starting tomorrow, Tuesday, the Island Council of Tenerife (Cabildo de Tenerife) will implement Grade I measures for the prevention of forest fires. This alert level includes a strict prohibition on lighting any type of fire in recreational and outdoor areas, as well as a ban on the use of pyrotechnic materials. Although travel on forest tracks and trails remains permitted, the island corporation strongly discourages it and urges the public to exercise extreme caution with any activity that could potentially start a blaze.
What Activities Are Prohibited?
The specific restrictions under the Grade I measures ban barbecues, bonfires, stoves, and gas cookers in mountainous and outdoor zones. The use of any machinery or tools that could project sparks is also forbidden; this includes brush cutters, welding equipment, grinders, and any other machines that may cause sparks. Furthermore, smoking is prohibited in recreational areas, campsites, camp grounds, forest tracks and trails, viewpoints, and all other public-use infrastructures located in forested areas.
Permitted Activities and Regional Alert
Activities that are still allowed include transit on the island’s network of tracks and trails, forestry work, and hunting. The Cabildo de Tenerife adopted this preventive measure following the Canary Islands Government’s Directorate General for Emergencies declaring a forest fire risk alert for El Hierro, La Gomera, La Palma, Tenerife, and for Gran Canaria in areas above 400 meters in altitude.
Dangerous Weather Conditions Prompt Action
This decision is based on available meteorological data received amidst a significant heat episode. The forecast predicts maximum temperatures that could exceed 30 degrees Celsius (86°F) and potentially reach 36°C (97°F). A temperature inversion is expected below 400 meters of altitude, accompanied by a relative humidity of just 20%-40% from approximately 500–600 meters upward, and the presence of calima (hazy dust from the Sahara).
Additionally, easterly and southeasterly winds are forecast for mid-altitude regions, highlands, and mountain peaks. These winds are expected to be moderate to light starting from Thursday. In response to these combined factors, the regional government has also declared a pre-alert situation for wind, calima, coastal phenomena, and high temperatures across the islands.
