In response to escalating weather alerts and the increased risk of forest fires, the Island Council of Tenerife has formally activated the Tenerife Island Emergency Plan (PEIN) as a preventive measure. The decision, led by the Department of the Environment, Sustainability, Safety and Emergencies, follows the State Meteorological Agency’s (AEMET) forecast of extreme temperatures and the official declaration of alert issued by the Directorate-General for Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands.
As part of the response, Level 1 forest fire prevention measures have been extraordinarily activated, along with restrictions on access to areas affected by the August 2023 wildfire.
Heatwave and Fire Risk Alerts Intensified
The AEMET has updated and expanded its heatwave warnings across the Canary Islands, highlighting the potential for temperatures to reach or exceed 40°C in critical areas. These elevated temperatures pose not only a serious fire hazard but also significant health risks, especially during peak afternoon hours.
Restrictions and Recommendations in Force
To safeguard both the environment and public health, the Island Council has issued the following guidance and mandatory restrictions:
General Recommendations:
- Avoid entering or remaining in forested areas on the island.
- Exercise extreme caution with any activities that may cause fire, including:
- Smoking
- Use of electricity generators
- Pyrotechnic or spark-emitting equipment
- Private organisers of activities, which are not explicitly prohibited but take place in risk zones, are urged to implement strict preventive measures in line with the emergency declaration.
- Adopt personal protection measures against heat exposure (hydration, avoiding direct sun during midday, checking on vulnerable individuals, etc.).
Permitted Access in Fire-Affected Zones
Despite the restrictions, a limited number of signposted and unmarked routes within the August 2023 fire zone remain excluded from the prohibition and are open for circulation under current conditions:
A) Signposted Routes:
- PR-TF25: Las Raíces – Lomo de La Jara
- Aguamansa – La Crucita: Part of the historic Camino de Candelaria
- PR TF-35: Section from La Caldera Recreational Area to Choza de Pedro Gil
- BC-1 Northern Forest Route: Section from La Caldera to Choza de Pedro Gil
- BC 1.3: La Vica section
- BC-1.6 Ramón Caminero – Chimoche: From La Caldera to Chimoche Hut
- VM-6: From the start of La Vica Trail through Las Aguilillas to El Pozo Mountain
- VM-5 and VM-5.1: Las Charquitas Trail and Hoya Mona Trail
- Las Aguilillas Track and its secondary branches (El Sauzal municipality)
B) Unmarked Routes:
- Cueva Labrada Track: From Fuente Fría to the junction with Las Crucitas (El Sauzal)
- Las Crucitas Track (El Sauzal)
- Las Barranqueras Track: Section between Cruz de Funes and El Rayo junction (Tacoronte municipality)
The Island Council urges all residents and visitors to remain informed through official channels and to comply strictly with the established safety measures as the region faces a critical period of high fire and heat risk.
