Los Realejos Implements Proactive Land Management to Mitigate Wildfire Risks

Proactive land management has become the primary way to reduce the impact of major forest fires in the Canary Islands. Recent efforts in Los Realejos highlight a focus on the "wildland-urban interface"—the areas where homes and buildings meet dense vegetation. As extreme heat becomes more frequent, these zones have become the biggest challenge for emergency responders.

In Los Realejos, teams from Gesplan are working on the ground to clear overgrown brush from neglected properties, rural roadsides, and areas near residential neighborhoods like Tigaiga. As part of this initiative, property owners can request a professional assessment. If experts find that nearby vegetation threatens the safety of a home or blocks evacuation routes, they will schedule work to clear it.

This maintenance is part of a wider municipal policy led by Mayor Adolfo González, which aims to balance public safety with the preservation of local natural and cultural heritage. The city council’s approach includes managing water channels and farm paths, as well as supporting environmental volunteer projects, such as restoring historical trails alongside groups like the Tenerife Mountaineering Federation and the Rambla de Castro Nature Classroom.

Public education is the third pillar of this strategy. At local events, such as the recent livestock fair, the council has hosted outreach programs to teach residents about self-protection and traditional land-management techniques. One key method being promoted is managed grazing, which uses livestock to naturally control vegetation. This sustainable practice reduces the amount of fuel available for fires while helping to protect local biodiversity—a vital step as prevention becomes our best defense against climate-related disasters.