Tenerife Imposes Strict Fire Restrictions as Heatwave Approaches

Tenerife is bracing for a heatwave starting Thursday, July 30, with temperatures expected to reach 34°C. To protect the island’s forests and prevent wildfires, the Cabildo de Tenerife has announced strict new safety measures.

Starting at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, the island will be divided into two zones. The northern slope will follow Grade 1 restrictions, while the south, west, and metropolitan areas will face stricter Grade 2 rules.

Under these measures, all recreational areas and campsites will be closed. Lighting fires outdoors—including barbecues, stoves, and gas cookers—is strictly prohibited. Forestry work and the use of machinery that could create sparks, such as welders or angle grinders, are also banned. Additionally, smoking in forest areas and the use of fireworks are forbidden. In Grade 2 zones, the rules are even tighter: driving on forest tracks, holding sporting events or pilgrimages, and hunting are all suspended.

Cabildo President Rosa Dávila and Councilor for the Natural Environment Blanca Pérez emphasized that these proactive steps are essential to prevent a minor weather event from becoming a major emergency. They are urging the public to act responsibly to keep the island’s ecosystem and its people safe.

Authorities have also issued ten health tips to help residents cope with the extreme heat. They advise everyone to stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and avoid direct sun exposure between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Special care should be taken to monitor children, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions, as these groups are particularly vulnerable to the increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves affecting the Canary Islands.