Tenerife Expands Operation Prometeo to Bolster Forest Fire Defenses

Operation Prometeo has become a cornerstone of forest fire management in the Canary Islands. Following the devastating 2023 fire in the Corona Forestal, the Tenerife Island Council and the Ministry of Defense have strengthened their partnership to better protect the island’s landscape.

This year’s deployment will run for 92 days, from July 1 to September 30. The operation continues to grow, with 2,500 military personnel assigned to the mission—an increase from 2,300 last year. Their primary goal is to provide surveillance and act as a deterrent in "interface zones," where forests meet residential areas and are at the highest risk.

The operation is also becoming more technologically advanced. In addition to ground patrols equipped with GPS mapping and secure Tetra communication systems, the team will now use drones for aerial monitoring. Military helicopters will also be available for use when needed. Each day, 14 vehicles and 25 troop units, led by seven commanders, will maintain a constant presence across protected natural areas.

Under the agreement signed by Island President Rosa Dávila and Minister Margarita Robles, the Ministry of Defense provides the personnel and strategic expertise, while the Island Council covers the operational costs. Before the deployment begins, teams will conduct reconnaissance to ensure that surveillance efforts can be adjusted in real time based on weather conditions and fire risk levels.

Operation Prometeo has evolved from an emergency response into a permanent, structural tool for fire prevention. By integrating the Armed Forces and the Military Emergencies Unit into environmental protection, the island is taking proactive steps to ensure that the destruction seen in 2023 is not repeated.