Tenerife: Evacuation of tourists due to fire threat
More than fifty people were evacuated from the Chipeque viewpoint in Tenerife due to the high risk of forest fires and heat, introducing additional restrictions on visits to forest areas.
On Saturday, August 9, more than fifty people were evacuated from the Chipeque viewpoint in Tenerife, even though visiting the mountains is currently prohibited and many viewpoints on the island are closed due to the highest level of fire risk.
The evacuation was carried out by employees of the local administration (Cabildo) as part of security measures due to high temperatures and the threat of forest fires.
Blanca Pérez, Councilor for Ecology and Emergency Situations, reminds that the island has a maximum level of alert due to the risk of fires and heat. She calls for compliance with the restrictions to "ensure the safety of people and rescuers."
The Cabildo announced that access to forest areas will be closed from Sunday evening, August 10, to Wednesday, August 13, from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. This applies to certain roads (list below).
The Civil Guard, together with employees of the Cabildo, will monitor the road closures. The TF-28 road is also subject to restrictions on the way to Teide.
Since Friday, August 8, it has been forbidden to hike in the mountains, drive on forest roads in cars with engines, light fires, use pyrotechnics and any equipment that could cause sparks, as well as cut down forests.
The Chipeque and Chimage campsites, camps and viewpoints are closed. All outdoor activities organized by the Cabildo have been canceled.
The General Directorate for Emergency Situations of the Canary Islands has declared an emergency warning due to forest fires since 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 8 (according to the INFOCA plan).
Meteorologists (Aemet) have declared a red level of danger for today, predicting temperatures up to 40 degrees.
What to do:
- Stay in cool places.
- Avoid the sun.
- Drink water often.
- Do not overexert yourself in the heat.
- Do not leave children or elderly people in cars.
- Eat light foods rich in water and minerals.
List of roads where traffic will be restricted: (The list of roads from the original text should be here).