BBQ areas closed as fire alert activated in Gran Canaria from today

The Cabildo have activated an alert in Gran Canaria due to the risk of forest fires on the island, which came into force from 7:30am this morning (Sunday 21^st August), because weather forecasts predict maximum temperatures of up to 38 degrees for Monday and up to 40 from Tuesday.

The Directorate of the Forest Fire Prevention and Extinction Plan of Gran Canaria (Infogran) has adopted this decision, based on the predictions of the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) and in the application of the alert situation due to the risk of forest fires (INFOCA) declared by the General Directorate of Security and Emergencies of the Canary Islands Government.

While the alert is active, the use of fire in camping and recreational areas is prohibited, including the use of built-in barbecues installed in these areas.

Likewise, all types of burning on agricultural and forest land are not allowed, which are already prohibited from July 1st to September 30th.

The Gran Canaria Cabildo has especially requested that this prohibition be respected, since these activities are one of the main causes of forest fires and, with the adverse weather conditions on the island, "they pose an extreme risk".

In the same way, fireworks displays or use of fireworks, or any kind of device that contains fire, cannot be held in forest areas or within a perimeter of 400 metres around them.

Also, the use of machinery that generates sparks, such as grinders, chainsaws, welding equipment, and the like, is restricted, and charcoal activity or the use of fire in beekeeping is not allowed.

In addition, traffic on forest trails and tracks and road access on the GC-216 (access road to Tamadaba) is prohibited, except for public service vehicles and residents, as well as the use of the Camping Area of Llanos de la Mimbre and the Tamadaba Recreational Area.