Tenerife Expands Drone Fleet to Bolster Firefighting and Environmental Surveillance
Tenerife has expanded its forest surveillance fleet to 14 drones, incorporating advanced thermal and firefighting technology to improve environmental monitoring and emergency response across the island's rugged terrain.
Tenerife has significantly upgraded its forest surveillance capabilities this week. The Cabildo de Tenerife announced that its fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has grown to 14 operational drones. President Rosa Dávila introduced the new fleet at Malpaís de Güímar, noting that these tools will help environmental and firefighting teams navigate the island’s challenging, rugged terrain.
Supported by the Department of Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security, and Emergencies, the expansion includes eight new drones. This includes one high-performance model specifically built for firefighting, featuring thermal sensors, a laser rangefinder, and a 45-minute flight time. The remaining new units are lighter and designed for quick inspections and responding to environmental violations.
Beyond fire prevention, this technology helps the Cabildo manage the island more effectively. Using visual and thermal cameras, the team can now monitor illegal dumping, identify unauthorized construction, and conduct precise topographic surveys. By providing real-time data, these drones allow staff to work more efficiently and make better-informed decisions on the ground.
To operate the new system, 21 agents and specialists have completed a technical training program and earned the required aeronautical certifications. According to the Natural Environment department, this training is essential to ensuring that these drones represent a major step forward in how Tenerife protects its most sensitive natural areas.