Canary Islands Issue Forest Fire Alert Amid Extreme Heatwave

The Canary Islands government has issued a forest fire alert starting at 10:00 a.m. this Tuesday, September 8. The alert covers all of Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro. In Gran Canaria, the warning applies to areas above 600 meters on the northern side and above 400 meters elsewhere on the island.

The alert is due to a heatwave bringing extreme temperatures, low humidity, and moderate winds, which make the landscape highly susceptible to fire. Gran Canaria is at particular risk, with temperatures expected to hit 40°C in some mountain and southwestern areas. Across the rest of the islands, temperatures will range from 32°C to 37°C, with little relief at night, making fire prevention more difficult.

In response, the Cabildo of Tenerife has activated its Grade 1 forest protection protocol. This bans agricultural burning, the use of spark-generating machinery (such as welders or brush cutters), the use of fireworks, and smoking in natural areas. While forest trails, recreational areas, and roads remain open, authorities urge the public to exercise extreme caution.

With humidity levels dropping below 30% and wind gusts exceeding 30 kilometers per hour, the risk of fire spreading is high. Emergency services are calling for public cooperation: please do not leave any waste behind. If you see smoke or flames, call 112 immediately. If you need to evacuate, move in the opposite direction of the wind and avoid ravines.