The Canary Islands Government has raised the fire risk alert due to an escalating heatwave affecting the region. This response comes as high temperatures, low humidity, and moderate winds create conditions that heighten the likelihood of forest fires. The updated alert begins at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 8 September, impacting Tenerife, El Hierro, La Palma, and La Gomera. In Gran Canaria, the alert specifically applies to northern slopes above 600 metres and western, southern, and eastern slopes at elevations over 400 metres.
Emergency Services warn that the forecast for the coming days may increase the presence of dry vegetation, raising the risk of fires spreading rapidly. Gran Canaria is expected to face particularly severe conditions, with temperatures potentially reaching or exceeding 37°C in the summit and mid-altitude areas of the south-west. In some localised spots, temperatures could soar to 40°C, accompanied by low humidity below 30% and winds exceeding 30 kilometres per hour. The nights may also offer little relief from the heat.
Tenerife itself is anticipating temperatures around 36°C in its forested mid-altitude regions, especially in the west and south, with occasional spikes to 37°C. North-eastern parts could see temperatures of 34°C, prompting the Tenerife Island Council to implement preventive restrictions island-wide.
La Gomera, La Palma, and El Hierro are also under close observation, with La Gomera expecting highs of around 33°C and summit areas possibly reaching 35°C. La Palma may experience temperatures up to 35°C in the Caldera de Taburiente, while El Hierro could see temperatures exceeding 34°C in its summit region.
In light of the heightened fire risk, the Tenerife Island Council will activate Level 1 preventive measures from 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, which includes prohibitions on outdoor fires, burning agricultural waste, smoking in fire-risk areas, and using tools that can generate sparks or heat. These measures will remain in place until further notice.
Despite these restrictions, forest management activities can continue, and access to viewpoints and recreational areas remains open. The public is urged to exercise caution and avoid activities that could spark fires.
Authorities advise against lighting outdoor fires in high temperatures and high winds, and the public is warned to dispose of potential fire hazards responsibly. Anyone spotting a forest fire should immediately call 112 and provide precise location details, moving away from the fire’s path whenever possible.
Overall, the latest alert illustrates a concerning rise in fire risk across the islands, with Tenerife implementing restrictions and Gran Canaria facing severe heat.
