Tenerife Bolsters Wildfire Readiness With New Surveillance Tech and Joint Drills

Tenerife has boosted its wildfire readiness for the summer season, according to Diario de Avisos. A recent emergency simulation in El Sauzal’s Las Calderetas area highlighted the island council’s (Cabildo) commitment to ensuring that the 700-strong firefighting team works together seamlessly.

The exercise tested the entire emergency process, from the moment a fire is detected to the final forensic investigation. This drill brought together various groups, including the Brifor brigades, the Spanish Army, security forces, Civil Protection, and Red Cross volunteers. Such coordination is vital, as the areas where forests meet residential zones pose a significant safety challenge for the island.

These efforts are part of "Operation Prometheus," a preventive surveillance program running from July 1 to September 30. During this high-risk period, patrols are stationed in key locations. New for this year, the Cabildo has added drones to its monitoring toolkit, which already includes surveillance cameras, GPS tracking, two helicopters, and a fleet of firefighting vehicles.

Island President Rosa Dávila emphasized that careful planning is essential to speed up response times and stop small fires before they spread. Technical leads agreed, noting that regular drills are the only way to ensure that agencies like Gesplan, the Teide National Park staff, and local police can work effectively under pressure.

Beyond testing fire suppression, the exercise also practiced investigation protocols, where environmental agents and the Civil Guard work to determine the cause of a fire. Through these preparations, local authorities aim to reassure the public that while fire risk is a reality of the island’s ecosystem, the response teams are well-equipped, highly trained, and ready to act.