Tenerife Implements Zoned Fire Restrictions Amid Ongoing Heatwave

Tenerife is adopting a split approach to managing its natural spaces as the island’s council (Cabildo) eases some fire prevention rules.

Starting at 3:00 p.m. this Thursday, the island will be divided into two zones based on local weather conditions and fire risk. The north of the island and the Anaga massif have been downgraded to level 1, while the southern and western slopes remain under the stricter level 2 protocols.

In the south and west, where high temperatures keep the risk of fire critical, strict rules remain in place. Sporting events, pilgrimages, and hunting activities are still suspended, and access to camping and recreational areas is restricted. The use of machinery that could create sparks, the use of fireworks, and smoking in forest areas remain strictly prohibited.

In the north and Anaga, the move to level 1 means that trails, forest tracks, and private properties are once again open to the public. Cycling and horseback riding are also permitted.

However, Cabildo President Rosa Dávila and Councilor for the Natural Environment Blanca Pérez have warned that this does not mean the danger has passed. Regardless of the alert level, lighting fires outdoors—including the use of barbecues, stoves, and gas cookers—remains banned across the entire island due to the ongoing heatwave.

This zoned strategy accounts for Tenerife’s diverse landscape and microclimates, which affect how fire risks develop in different areas. These regulations will stay in place as long as the current alert continues. Authorities are urging the public to remain cautious and follow all safety guidelines, emphasizing that protecting the island’s natural heritage is a shared responsibility.