Gran Canaria has activated its forest fire prevention and response plan as soaring temperatures and dry conditions heighten the risk of wildfires across the island.
The Cabildo declared an alert yesterday, Saturday (28th June), under its Infogran plan, specifically for areas above 400 metres altitude across the island.
This comes as the Canary Islands Government’s Directorate General of Emergencies issued a general warning, urging the public to exercise extreme caution due to the high risk of wildfires and forecast maximum temperatures.
Prohibitions on fire, machinery and hunting
As part of the measures, the use of fire is strictly prohibited in hostels, campsites and recreational areas, including the built-in barbecues typically found at these sites. Fireworks are also banned in forest land and within a 400-metre radius of such zones.
The authorities have called on residents and visitors alike to respect these prohibitions, highlighting that agricultural burnings remain one of the primary causes of wildfires, and under the current adverse weather conditions, pose an extreme risk.
Additional restrictions apply to machinery and equipment that can produce sparks, flames or electrical discharges, including angle grinders, metal-blade brush cutters, chainsaws, welding equipment and blowtorches.
Weather outlook intensifies concerns
The alert is based on forecasts that indicate maximum temperatures may exceed 30–37°C in affected areas. Specific warnings have been issued for high temperatures on the summit and the eastern, southern and western slopes of Gran Canaria, with expected peaks of 26–32°C in the north and 34–37°C in the interior and southern parts of the island.
Compounding the risk is a drop in relative humidity below 30% at altitudes over 600 metres, slight calima (dust haze) at higher elevations, and probable moderate gusts from the north-northeast. This is all occurring against a backdrop of prolonged meteorological drought and significant water stress on local vegetation.
Fire Risk Explained
Certain weather conditions sharply increase the danger of forest fires in the Canary Islands.
Together, these factors create a perfect storm for wildfires, which is why authorities impose strict bans on fire use and high-risk activities during alerts.
