Five of the Canary Islands are put on maximum alert for risk of forest fires

The Canary Islands Government, through the General Directorate of Security and Emergencies, has declared a maximum alert for the risk of fires in the Canary Islands, specifically in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro, which comes into force this from 10:00am today, Friday.

This decision has been made after taking into account the weather information available via AEMET, and following the recommendations of the Special Plan for Civil Protection and Emergency Response to Forest Fires of the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands (INFOCA).

Temperatures of 32-38°C are expected today and are forecast to reach more than 40°C over the weekend, which with very dry and warm air, especially in inland areas, high areas, and summits, could be felt at 45°+, which are dangerous conditions for outbreaks of fire.

The heat will affect all the slopes of Tenerife and La Palma, and will also affect all the slopes in El Hierro except for the low areas of the northern slope. In La Gomera, it will be mainly felt in the south and west of the island.

On the easternmost islands, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, the heat will be more noticeable in the south and inland areas of the islands, but the fire risk is less, while in Gran Canaria the highest temperatures will be recorded inland facing south and west, as well as on peaks.

The population is urged to follow the self-protection advice of the General Directorate of Security and Emergencies.