Nine aircraft deployed to tackle two wildfires in El Hierro
Two separate wildfire outbreaks were reported almost simultaneously this afternoon, Saturday 23rd August, on the island of El Hierro, according to the island’s Cabildo and the Canary Islands Emergency and Security Coordination Centre (CECOES).
One of the incidents is affecting the area of Las Asomadas, while the second is burning on the slopes near the Mirador de Las Playas viewpoint, as confirmed by the island authorities on their official channels.
Strong firefighting response
Emergency crews are working on both fronts with the support of nine aircraft, including three helicopters from the Forest Fire Reinforcement Brigades (EIRIF), one from the El Hierro GES unit, two from La Palma’s BRIF, the 9D helicopter based in Tenerife, and an ‘air tractor’ water bomber from La Gomera.
On the ground, firefighting teams from the EIRIF, El Hierro’s Cabildo, Environmental Agents, and Civil Protection volunteers are working to contain the flames.
Preventive evacuation and road closure
As a precautionary measure, the popular Hoya del Morcillo campsite has been evacuated.
The Cabildo of El Hierro also confirmed that the HI-4 road, which had been closed earlier between the San Andrés–El Pinar roundabout and the town of El Pinar, was reopened at 5:15pm once conditions allowed.
Advice to residents and visitors
El Pinar Town Hall has urged residents and visitors not to leave the town in order to avoid travelling through forested areas. In addition, they have asked people to limit unnecessary movements within the municipality and to use water responsibly, stressing that the top priority is extinguishing the fires.
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