The Canary Islands Government has officially activated its 2026 forest fire prevention and response campaign today, Monday 1^st June, with more than 2,600 emergency personnel and 19 aircraft ready for the summer season.

The operation forms part of the Canary Islands’ INFOCA emergency wildfire plan and comes ahead of the hotter summer months, when the risk of forest fires across the islands increases significantly.

More Firefighters, Aircraft and Drones

This year’s campaign includes around 100 more personnel than in 2025, alongside 202 wildfire engines and 19 aerial resources.

One of the biggest additions for 2026 is a third EIRIF wildfire helicopter, which will be based in El Hierro alongside the existing GES emergency helicopter.

The campaign will also include three new lightweight fire engines with 2,300-litre capacity and a fleet of 23 drones used for surveillance and prevention work.

According to officials, six drones belong to the Canary Islands Emergency and Rescue Group (GES), while 17 are operated by the EIRIF wildfire teams.

The drones are equipped with thermal imaging cameras, allowing crews to detect hotspots during the night and helping ground teams locate and extinguish remaining fire points more quickly.

Pre-alert activated in five islands

This launch coincides with the activation of a pre-alert for wild fires in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Gomera, La Palma, and El Hierro, by the Canary Islands government from midnight today.

This is because weather conditions are changing and are now favourable for the increased risk and spread of fire due to temperatures of 30°C, winds of 30km/h, and humidity of less than 30%.

This pre-alert will stay in place until further notice.