Government downgrades wildfire alert but maintains pre-alert on five islands
The Canary Islands’ Directorate General of Emergencies has announced the end of the official alert for wildfire risk as of 8:00am this morning (Monday, 7th July).
The situation has now been downgraded to pre-alert status, under the Special Civil Protection and Emergency Response Plan for Wildfires in the Canary Islands (INFOCA).
The decision follows an assessment of weather data from Spain’s Meteorological Agency (AEMET) and other sources, confirming the conclusion of the intense heat episode that led to the activation of the alert.
Areas still under pre-alert
The pre-alert, in force since 1st June 2025, remains in effect in the following areas:
- El Hierro
- La Palma
- Tenerife - excluding the northern areas below 600 metres altitude
- La Gomera
- Gran Canaria - from 600 metres upwards in the north and from 400 metres on the other slopes
This is in line with INFOCA Declaration 01/2025/INFOCA.
Key recommendations for the public
Authorities continue to stress the importance of prevention and self-protection. The main advice includes:
- Do not discard cigarette ends or matches, whether on foot or from a vehicle.
- Avoid using fireworks or pyrotechnics in rural or forested areas.
- Never leave rubbish in the forest; use designated bins.
- Trim branches near homes and keep basic tools and water on hand as precautionary measures.
Protecting your pets
Residents with animals are reminded to ensure pets are correctly identified and vaccinated.
- Have an emergency kit ready, including a carrier, documents, food and any essentials for quick evacuation.
- Keep contact details up to date in the Canary Animal Identification Register.
What to do if a wildfire occurs
In the event of a wildfire:
- Stay calm, call 1-1-2, and follow all instructions from emergency services.
- If told to evacuate, turn off electricity and gas, take only essentials (documents, money, medication), and use just one vehicle per family, avoiding shortcuts.
- If fire surrounds your home, stay inside, close doors and windows, and block gaps with damp towels.
- For injured wildlife, try to take the animal to the nearest wildlife recovery centre or alert authorities if unable to do so.
The Directorate General of Emergencies emphasises that by following these recommendations, residents and visitors alike can help reduce the risk of wildfires and safeguard both people and animals.
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