Forest fire alerts activated in the Canary Islands due to high temperatures
The forest fire alert starts from Tuesday, April 9, at 3:00 p.m. in Gran Canaria and from Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. in the western province.
The entry of a mass of warm, dry air of African origin over the islands, starting on Tuesday, April 9, will cause a progressive and marked rise in temperatures, with values typical of summer and exceptionally high for these dates. Added to this will be the presence of abundant suspended dust, a decrease in relative humidity, and strong gusts of wind, which can occasionally reach 90 kilometers per hour.
Given this situation, the Government of the Canary Islands, through the General Directorate of Emergencies, has declared a wind alert situation throughout the archipelago that started at 8:00 p.m. on Monday, April 8. Added to this is the activation of a pre-alert for coastal phenomena on all the islands.
In addition, starting on Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. the alert for the risk of forest fires in Gran Canaria will come into force, starting at 800 meters of altitude in the north and 400 meters in the south of the island. The forest fire alert will be extended from 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10, to El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera and Tenerife.
In this way, the situation of the Special Plan for Civil Protection and Emergency Response to Forest Fires of the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands (INFOCA) is updated, which was in a pre-alert situation due to the risk of forest fires since last March 19, which this year came early to spring after a winter marked by a lack of precipitation. In fact, on January 23, for the first time in history, a pre-alert for the risk of forest fires was declared in the western province and Gran Canaria.
The meteorological situation will become more complicated as the week progresses with a notable increase in temperatures that will spread throughout the archipelago, with maximums that can reach 34 degrees Celsius. T
The Government of the Canary Islands reminds everyone, with the aim of avoiding fires, that it is essential to follow the limitations established by the different councils and town councils, both in terms of access to the forest area and the work that should be avoided in these areas until the alert ends.
In this regard, it asks the population to take extreme precautions in the mountains to avoid forest fires, such as, for example, not throwing away lit cigarette butts or matches and avoiding leaving waste in wooded areas.
In addition, it is important not to camp outside the authorized areas, especially in areas away from access roads, since in the event of a fire you could be surrounded by fire. Hiking should be avoided and it is important not to leave the established footpaths.
Regarding wind, the General Directorate of Emergencies reminds the population of the need to check homes so that there are no cornices, balconies or facades in poor condition that could cause falling debris. Pots and all objects that could fall onto the street and cause an accident must also be removed from balconies and roof terraces.
And regarding the poor state of the sea expected for the next few hours, it is recommended to avoid driving on roads close to the beach line, avoid fishing in risk areas and not stand at the end of docks or breakwaters, or risk taking photographs. or videos near places where the waves break.
