Over 50 people removed from Chipeque Viewpoint despite bans
The Tenerife Cabildo has closed mountain access roads and reinforced preventive measures in response to maximum fire risk and extreme heat alerts, aiming to protect the public and ensure emergency teams can operate effectively.
From Sunday, 10th August, until Wednesday, 13th August, the TF-21, TF-24, and TF-28 roads leading to Mount Teide will be closed between 6 pm and 6 am each day.
The decision follows warnings that heavy traffic and large numbers of visitors in forest areas would hinder evacuations and the work of firefighting brigades in the event of an emergency.
“The situation is one of maximum alert due to the risk of wildfires and extreme temperatures, so we must take strong measures to avoid incidents and ensure people’s safety,” said Blanca Pérez, Tenerife’s Councillor for Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security, and Emergencies.
Despite existing bans and trail, track, and viewpoint closures, more than 50 people had to be evacuated from the Chipeque Viewpoint on Saturday, 9th August. Authorities are urging the public to respect restrictions and avoid going into forest areas in the coming days to reduce risks both to themselves and to the intervention teams.
The Canary Islands Government’s Directorate General of Emergencies declared a maximum wildfire risk alert for Tenerife at 2 pm on Friday, 8th August, under the INFOCA Plan.
In addition to road closures, the Guardia Civil will work alongside Cabildo staff to manage access, particularly during the Perseid meteor shower period, which traditionally draws large crowds to high-altitude viewpoints. The closures will apply to the following routes from 6 pm to 6 am on the 11th, 12th, and 13th August: TF-24 (La Esperanza) at km 9 and km 23.5 (Arafo junction), TF-21 (La Orotava) at km 16.5 (Caldera de Aguamansa), TF-21 (Vilaflor) at km 66.8, and TF-38 (Guía de Isora) on the ascent to Chío.
Officials stress that these measures are intended to reduce risk and ensure a rapid emergency response during this period of extreme heat and high fire danger.
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