Canary Islands Downgrade Forest Fire Alert Following Improved Weather Conditions

The Canary Islands government has ended its forest fire risk alert following a stabilization in weather conditions. As of 7:00 a.m. on Friday, September 11, Tenerife, El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, and Gran Canaria have been moved to a "pre-alert" status, reflecting a significant improvement in the conditions that had previously challenged firefighting efforts.

This decision follows the normalization of key environmental factors. The combination of extreme heat, low humidity, strong winds, and dry vegetation—which had previously forced authorities to raise the alert level—has subsided, allowing for a relaxation of restrictions. However, officials will continue to monitor the weather and vegetation closely, as the pre-alert status requires ongoing observation should conditions change unexpectedly.

In Gran Canaria, the change applies specifically to the north-facing slopes above 600 meters and the west, south, and east slopes above 400 meters. For the other islands, the downgrade applies generally, as environmental conditions are no longer considered critical.

Managing fire risk is vital for the Canary Islands, where the terrain and trade winds can quickly influence how fires spread. While the move to a pre-alert level reduces the immediate sense of urgency, it does not mean authorities are standing down; rather, it represents a shift in the level of response while maintaining the ability to protect the islands' forests.