A 69-year-old man has been arrested by the Guardia Civil on suspicion of deliberately starting the wildfire that broke out earlier today (Saturday) in Masca, in the west of Tenerife.

Officers from the Guardia Civil's Main Post in Icod de los Vinos detained the local resident less than two hours after the fire was reported, following a rapid investigation.

Two separate ignition points

According to police reports, the fire started at around 12:30pm and is believed to have been deliberately lit at two separate locations in the Lomo del Medio area of the Masca ravine.

Emergency services mounted a major response after flames reached an area of dry cane vegetation just 50 metres from several homes, causing concerns that the fire could spread.

Thanks to the swift intervention of firefighters and emergency crews, the fire was quickly extinguished at both outbreaks and brought under control before it could threaten nearby properties.

Firefighting crews and remained at the scene carrying out damping-down operations to prevent any flare-ups.

Government urges extreme caution

The incident comes as the Canary Islands Government continues to warn of an extreme risk of wildfires due to the current combination of high temperatures, low humidity, strong winds and exceptionally dry vegetation.

Officials are urging residents and visitors to avoid any activity that could spark a fire, including lighting barbecues or bonfires in unauthorised areas, discarding cigarette ends, using machinery that may produce sparks, or parking vehicles on dry grass.

Anyone who spots smoke or signs of a wildfire is asked to call 112 immediately.

Deliberately starting a wildfire carries severe penalties

Authorities have also reminded the public that deliberately starting a wildfire is a serious criminal offence in Spain.

Depending on the circumstances and the damage caused, those convicted of arson can face lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines and civil liability for the costs of firefighting and any damage to homes, infrastructure or protected natural areas. Penalties are significantly more severe if lives are endangered or if the fire affects protected woodland or natural parks.

The investigation into the Masca fire remains ongoing, and authorities have not released any further details regarding the alleged motive. The suspect will appear before the courts once the investigation has been completed.