Tenerife Activates Level 1 Forest Fire Restrictions Amid Adverse Weather Alert

Tenerife’s local government has activated a level 1 forest fire prevention protocol due to the island’s fragile ecosystem and increasingly unpredictable weather. This decision follows an alert from the Canary Islands government, which warned of adverse conditions that could threaten forests in the southern part of the island.

To protect the island's natural landscape, strict restrictions are now in place across twelve municipalities: Candelaria, Arafo, Güímar, Fasnia, Arico, Granadilla de Abona, San Miguel de Abona, Arona, Vilaflor, Adeje, Guía de Isora, and Santiago del Teide. Blanca Pérez, the island’s councilor for the area, emphasized that taking early action is essential to prevent disasters. She urged the public to act responsibly, noting that fires can spread rapidly in these conditions.

The new rules aim to remove any potential fire hazards. Open fires—including barbecues, stoves, and gas cookers—are strictly banned, as are fireworks and any machinery that could produce sparks. Smoking is also prohibited in recreational areas, on trails, forest tracks, roads, and at viewpoints. However, essential activities such as vehicle traffic, hunting, and forest maintenance are still permitted, provided that extreme caution is exercised.

Forest management and surveillance teams will continue their work as usual to ensure they can respond quickly to any emergencies. The council is advising both businesses and individuals to be very careful with electrical equipment and generators, and they strongly recommend that people avoid spending time in forest areas while the alert is in effect. The success of these measures depends on everyone following the guidelines until the weather improves and the threat to the island’s biodiversity subsides.