The Canary Islands Government’s Directorate-General for Emergencies has updated the forest fire risk alert in response to the worsening heatwave affecting the archipelago. The decision has been taken due to the combination of very high temperatures, low relative humidity and moderate winds, conditions that can significantly increase the risk of forest fires starting and spreading.
The updated alert will come into force at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 8 September. The measure affects Tenerife, El Hierro, La Palma and La Gomera. In Gran Canaria, the alert applies to north-facing slopes above 600 metres and to western, southern and eastern slopes from an altitude of 400 metres.
According to the Emergency Services, the weather conditions forecast for the coming days may increase the availability of dry vegetation and raise the potential for any fire to spread more quickly.
Gran Canaria faces the most adverse conditions
The most unfavourable forecast is concentrated in Gran Canaria, especially in the summit area and in the mid-altitude zones of the south-west of the island. In these areas, temperatures could reach or exceed 37°C across large areas. In more localised points, they may reach 38°C, with isolated readings of up to 40°C also possible.
These high temperatures will be accompanied by relative humidity below 30% and winds that may exceed 30 kilometres per hour in many areas. Emergency Services also warn that there will be little relief during the night, meaning temperatures may remain high even after sunset.
This combination of heat, dryness, wind and very warm nights increases the level of concern in areas with forest vegetation.
Temperatures of up to 37°C in Tenerife
In Tenerife, temperatures of around 36°C are expected across large areas of the forested mid-altitude regions in the west and, above all, in the south of the island. There is also the possibility of reaching 37°C sporadically in some areas.
In the northern mid-altitude regions, temperatures are expected to range between 32°C and 33°C, although some north-eastern areas could reach 34°C. These values, together with low humidity and wind, have led the Tenerife Island Council to activate preventive restrictions across the whole island.
Heat also affects the western islands
La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro will also remain under close watch due to the same weather pattern. On La Gomera, temperatures of around 33°C are expected in the northern midlands. In the summit areas, values could range between 34°C and 35°C, while the southern midlands on the leeward side may reach 36°C or 37°C.
On La Palma, the forecast points to temperatures of up to 35°C in the Caldera de Taburiente. Values of around 34°C are also expected across large areas of the north-west and in the Nueva and Vieja summit areas.
On El Hierro, maximum temperatures may exceed 34°C or 35°C across large parts of the summit region and in the south of the island. Across all the western islands, low relative humidity is expected in the summit areas and upper mid-altitude zones, together with moderate northerly winds.
Level 1 restrictions in Tenerife
In response to the increased fire risk, the Tenerife Island Council will activate Level 1 preventive measures across the whole island from 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday. The declaration introduces restrictions in areas at risk of forest fires, especially on activities that could generate flames, sparks, heat or electrical discharges.
The restrictions include a ban on burning agricultural and forestry waste, lighting fires outdoors, smoking in risk areas, using fireworks and operating machinery or tools capable of producing sparks or heat.
This includes equipment such as brush cutters, chainsaws, welding tools and angle grinders when used in conditions that could cause a fire. The measures will remain in force until a new resolution is issued.
Activities still permitted in Tenerife
For now, Level 1 does not involve a general closure of forest areas. Forest management activities may continue, and access to viewpoints remains permitted.The use of motor vehicles on forest tracks is also still allowed, as is the use of recreational areas, camping areas and publicly managed campsites.
People may also continue to travel through and remain in woodland areas, on footpaths and on forest tracks. Recreational activities such as cycling and horse riding are not currently prohibited under Level 1.
Traffic on island roads and local roads is not restricted either. Landowners may also continue to access their land and infrastructure. However, the Cabildo strongly recommends taking extreme precautions and avoiding any activity that could cause a fire, generate sparks or produce heat.
Emergency recommendations
The Directorate-General for Emergencies is urging the public to avoid lighting outdoor fires during periods of high temperatures and wind. People are also reminded not to discard cigarette ends, matches, glass, paper, plastic or any other waste that could start a fire.
In forest areas, the authorities recommend avoiding the use of tools or machinery that may generate sparks, heat or electrical discharges, particularly when temperatures are high and humidity is low. Anyone entering woodland areas should take precautions, stay informed about the situation and avoid unnecessary risk.
If a forest fire is spotted, the first instruction is to call 112 immediately and provide the most accurate location possible. If the fire is advancing, people should move away in the opposite direction to the wind whenever possible and avoid ravines, gullies and low-lying areas.
The authorities also advise seeking areas with little or no vegetation and avoiding any attempt to cross zones affected by fire or smoke, whether on foot or by vehicle.
Overall, the updated alert reflects a worsening fire-risk situation across several islands, with Tenerife now applying Level 1 restrictions island-wide and Gran Canaria facing the most extreme heat forecast.
