The Directorate General for Emergencies of the Canary Islands Government has elevated the forest fire risk situation across several islands to the highest alert level.
This alert impacts the following islands: El Hierro, La Gomera (areas above 400 meters in elevation), La Palma, Tenerife (except for the Arafo forest fire-affected region, which remains in an Emergency Situation), and Gran Canaria (areas above 400 meters in the south and 200 meters in the north).
Thermometers could reach 37 degrees Celsius
The region is currently experiencing an episode of high temperatures, dry conditions, and a warm atmosphere due to the Saharan air mass influence since October 1st. Maximum temperatures are expected to exceed 34 degrees Celsius and may even surpass 37 degrees in certain southern and southwestern areas.
The presence of the Calima, a dust-laden Saharan wind, will persist throughout the week. Relative humidity levels will remain below 30% in the midlands and high altitudes. Minimum temperatures will hardly drop below 25 degrees Celsius, except in elevated regions. Moderate easterly winds are anticipated.
This decision to elevate the forest fire risk is made in accordance with Decree 60/2014, dated May 29th, which approves the Special Plan for Civil Protection and Emergency Response to Forest Fires in the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands (INFOCA).
FIRE PREVENTION GUIDELINES IN THE CANARY ISLANDS
Here are some prevention measures recommended:
- Maintain a clear area free of vegetation and debris around the facade of at least 2 meters and 10 meters around the property. Keep a distance of 3 meters between trees in the garden.
- Ensure roofs and facades are made of fire-resistant materials and keep them free of dry leaves, branches, and organic matter. Regularly fireproof wooden facades and store firewood away from the house.
- Protect chimneys to prevent sparks or embers from entering the house.
- Have a flexible fire hose long enough to encircle the house and an ABC type fire extinguisher available.
- Store combustible materials (butane canisters, diesel containers, etc.) in ventilated and protected enclosures.
- Use non-flammable materials for fences and external enclosures, avoiding synthetic materials like polycarbonates and dry heather and cane, which are highly flammable.
- Prefer using built-in barbecues with spark arresters, surrounded by a firebreak strip free of vegetation.
- Do not light any kind of fire, including burning plant remains, without the necessary authorizations.
- Keep unbuilt plots clean and free of dry vegetation or pruned and cleared trees.
