Temporary closure of all access roads to forest areas in Tenerife due to the heatwave
The Tenerife Cabildo has announced the temporary closure of several forest access roads next week as part of emergency measures to reduce the risk of wildfires during the current heatwave.
The restrictions will be in place from 6:00pm to 6:00am on 11th, 12th and 13th August, following the regional government’s declaration of maximum alert for high temperatures and extreme fire risk.
The closures coincide with the annual Perseids meteor shower on the 11th and 12th, a popular time for residents and tourists to head into the mountains at night. Authorities say the combination of heavy traffic, high visitor numbers, and extreme fire risk could make evacuations and firefighting operations more difficult in the event of a blaze.
The affected roads will be:
TF-24 (La Esperanza) at kilometre 9, preventing access from the town of La Esperanza, and at kilometre 23.5 near the Arafo junction;
TF-21 (La Orotava) at kilometre 16.5 by La Caldera de Aguamansa on the north side, and at kilometre 66.8 near Vilaflor on the south side;
TF-38 (Guía de Isora) at kilometre 12.5 on the Chío climb.
Under Level 3 fire prevention measures, public access to forested areas of the island will be prohibited, including walking along trails or forest tracks, whether on foot or using any type of vehicle. The only exceptions will be for landowners and infrastructure managers accessing their properties. Recreational use of motor vehicles on forest tracks is also banned.
Other restrictions include a complete ban on lighting fires outdoors, such as bonfires, barbecues, and gas stoves, as well as the use of fireworks. Activities involving spark-producing tools or machinery, as well as forestry work, are also prohibited. Camping and use of the Chipeque and Chimague viewpoints will be suspended. In addition, all outdoor activities organised by the Cabildo are cancelled under the island’s Emergency Plan (PEIN).
The Cabildo is urging the public to take extreme care across the island, avoiding any activity that could cause a fire, such as smoking in forest areas or using generators, electrical equipment, or pyrotechnics. Private event organisers in non-restricted areas are also being advised to take extra precautions.
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