Wildfire erupts in northern Tenerife
A wildfire broke out shortly after noon on Monday in northern Tenerife, specifically near the town of El Tanque. According to Blanca Pérez, the island’s Minister of Natural Environment, the flames originated near Los Partidos Hotel, approximately 500 meters from the establishment. The fire has since spread to the Valle de Arriba and Los Baldíos areas, affecting the municipality of Santiago del Teide.
Preventive evacuations underway
Authorities have evacuated residents from Valle de Arriba as a precautionary measure, with winds pushing the fire in that direction. Evacuees are being relocated to Tamaimo’s football field, while animals are being moved to Arguayo’s football field. The Tenerife Island Council confirmed the evacuation of around 50 homes, stating that although the fire remains roughly 700 meters away, challenging weather conditions—including 36°C temperatures, winds, and less than 20% humidity—warrant caution.
Emergency response in full force
Three teams from Tenerife’s Forest Brigades (Brifor), two units of Santiago del Teide’s Volunteer Firefighters, three helicopters, and local police from El Tanque are actively battling the blaze. Military personnel from the Prometeo forest surveillance operation are also assisting. Additional reinforcements include firefighters from Tejina de Isora, Guía de Isora’s volunteer firefighters, Seprona and Civil Guard officers, and rural guards. An Air Tractor AT-802 aircraft, based in La Gomera and capable of dropping 3,100 liters of water or retardant per run, has also joined the effort.
Fire contained but still active
As of Monday afternoon, the fire remained active, with Level 1 alert declared under the Canary Islands’ Special Plan for Civil Protection and Forest Fire Emergencies (Infoca). Emergency teams from La Gomera and La Palma have been mobilized. Roads remain open, and the flames have not yet reached the hotel, though staff have begun wetting the facade facing the fire as a precaution. The burning area consists of tall grass, with the affected zone still relatively small.
Heatwave exacerbates fire risk
Tenerife, like the rest of the Canary Islands, remains on high alert for wildfires due to a heatwave that began on Sunday. The island council has banned open fires, fireworks, and smoking in recreational and camping areas. While temperatures are expected to slightly drop starting Tuesday, highs of 30–34°C in the fire zone necessitate continued vigilance to prevent flare-ups.
7:00 Update
The fire in northern Tenerife has been stabilized overnight after burning approximately 60 hectares of vegetation, mainly scrubland and pine trees.
Residents of Valle de Arriba, who were evacuated Monday afternoon from around 50 homes, returned to their residences at approximately 11:00 PM following significant improvement in the situation. The firefighting operation involved a total of 75 firefighters on the front lines and 9 aerial units, including helicopters from Tenerife’s Cabildo, the Ministry of Ecological Transition, and the Canary Islands government. Throughout the night, approximately 60 personnel remained in the fire zone to ensure the flames stayed within the established perimeter.
According to Cabildo technicians, the outlook is optimistic, and if the night passes peacefully, full control of the fire can be declared Tuesday morning.
