Tenerife: Free firewood after the fire threatens processing plants

Acanec, an organization that unites companies involved in waste processing in the Canary Islands, has appealed to the local authorities of Tenerife (Cabildo) for urgent assistance. The issue is that after the massive forest fire in 2023, farmers began to receive free wood chips made from burnt trees.

According to Acanec, this threatens the existence of companies involved in processing forest waste. They may even close down or reduce staff, even though these companies play an important role in waste processing on the island.

The President of Acanec, David González Montañés, says that they have been trying to negotiate with the authorities for a year, but so far without success. He emphasizes that he understands that the fire situation was extraordinary, but the free distribution of wood chips creates serious problems for their business and hinders the development of waste processing in Tenerife.

Acanec is asking the authorities to urgently resolve this issue and support companies that help prevent fires, preserve nature, and create "green" jobs. They hope that through joint efforts, a solution can be found that will benefit everyone.

The Vice President of Acanec, Jacobo Rodríguez Sicilia, adds that specific measures are needed to correct the economic imbalance that has arisen. He emphasizes that they understand the importance of waste disposal after the fire, but the free distribution of wood chips has negatively affected their economic stability. Therefore, in his opinion, it is necessary to introduce compensatory measures so that enterprises do not close down and lay off people.

Rodríguez Sicilia reminds that these enterprises provide important services to municipalities, companies, and ordinary people. They help maintain the island's ecosystems, landscape, and environment. Their work is important for achieving the environmental goals set by the local authorities.

It is worth noting that pine wood, which burned during the fire, is used for processing into wood chips and other materials, which are then used in agriculture. This type of pine was brought to Tenerife in the 1960s to restore forests, but later grew more than planned.

Currently, the authorities are trying to find new uses for this wood, such as for livestock bedding, imitation pine needles, or compost. Of the 12,500 hectares affected by the fire, 561 hectares were this type of pine. The Cabildo of Tenerife has not yet commented on the criticism from the association of woodworking enterprises.