New High-Tech Robots join forest firefighting teams in the Canary Islands
Wildfire prevention in the Canary Islands has taken a major technological step forward, with the introduction of new remote-controlled robots designed to tackle some of the region’s toughest terrain that is often too dangerous or inaccessible for firefighters.
The Canary Islands Government has unveiled three advanced multi-purpose machines aimed at supporting frontline fire crews. Fitted with tracked systems, they can work on slopes of up to 55 degrees, terrain where manual work would be extremely risky.
They are also equipped with cameras and can be controlled remotely, allowing fire crews to operate them from a safe distance.
The new machines will initially be deployed in the so-called “green islands” of La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro. Initial training and setup will take place in La Palma before they are fully rolled out.
More Than Just Clearing Vegetation
These robots are not limited to cutting back vegetation. They can also:
- Shred excess plant material to reduce fire risk
- Remove tree stumps and build-up of debris
- Move heavy materials during emergency operations
- Help create firebreaks quickly and efficiently
This versatility makes them a valuable addition to firefighting teams working in remote and rugged areas.
Around 40% of the Canary Islands’ land is covered by forest, making fire prevention a top priority.
Investment in Safety
The project represents an investment of over €700,000 and is aimed not only at improving efficiency, but also at protecting the safety of firefighters.
By reducing the need for crews to enter hazardous zones, the robots help lower the risk of injury during prevention work. The machines will be used by the EIRIF as part of a wider modernisation plan.
With longer, hotter summers and increasing drought linked to climate change, authorities say new technology is essential to prevent fires before they start.
Strengthening Fire Response Across the Islands
With the addition of these robots, the EIRIF now has a total of 46 resources at its disposal, including:
- 27 off-road vehicles
- Fire engines with 4,000-litre capacity
- Multi-purpose forestry trucks
- Drones and helicopters
New protective clothing and improved tools have also been introduced for firefighters, highlighting a combined focus on both technology and personnel.
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