Tenerife Cabildo restricts access to Mt Teide due to extreme heat and wildfire risk
The Tenerife Cabildo has announced a series of safety measures in response to the maximum alert for wildfire risk and maximum alert for high temperatures issued by the Canary Islands Government’s Directorate General for Emergencies.
The alerts were activated at 2:00pm today, Friday 8th August, as part of the regional Special Civil Protection and Emergency Response Plan for Forest Fires (INFOCA).
The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) forecasts temperatures reaching up to 40°C in the next few days, prompting urgent action to protect residents, visitors, and the island’s natural environment.
Level 3 Restrictions
From 2:00pm today, the following prohibitions apply across Tenerife’s forested areas:
- No access for the public on foot, by vehicle, or by any other means, including hiking trails, forest tracks, and cross-country routes. The only exception is for property or infrastructure owners accessing their land.
- No use of motor vehicles on forest tracks for recreational purposes.
- A total ban on outdoor fires (bonfires, campfires, barbecues, gas cookers, etc.), fireworks, or machinery that could produce sparks.
- Suspension of all forestry activities and hunting.
- Closure of all campsites, camping areas, and the Chipeque and Chimague viewpoints.
- All Cabildo-organised outdoor activities are cancelled.
The public is urged to be extremely cautious island-wide with any activity that could start a fire — including smoking in forest areas, using generators, or handling electrical and pyrotechnic equipment. Event organisers in at-risk zones are advised to adopt strict safety measures.
Road Closures during the Perseids Meteor Shower
The extreme heat coincides with the Perseids meteor shower on 11th and 12th August, when large numbers of people typically travel to Teide National Park for stargazing. To reduce the risk of fire and ensure emergency access, several mountain roads will be closed from 6:00pm to 6:00am on 11th, 12th, and 13th August:
- TF-24 (La Esperanza): closed at km 9 (La Esperanza) and km 23.5 (Arafo junction).
- TF-21 (La Orotava): closed at km 16.5 (La Caldera de Aguamansa, north) and km 66.8 (Vilaflor, south).
- TF-38 (Guía de Isora): closed at km 12.5 (Subida de Chío).
Heatwave Safety Advice
The Ministry of Health have also issued the following guidance to help protect against the dangers of extreme heat:
- Stay indoors during the hottest hours and keep blinds or shutters closed where the sun is strongest.
- Ventilate your home at night and use fans or air conditioning where possible.
- Spend at least two hours a day in air-conditioned public spaces if you don’t have cooling at home.
- Wear light, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, and a hat or cap outdoors.
- Walk in the shade, use beach umbrellas, and rest in cool areas.
- Drink water frequently — don’t wait until you feel thirsty.
- Never leave children or elderly people in parked cars.
- Avoid strenuous activity during the middle of the day.
- Eat light, regular meals rich in water and minerals (fruit and vegetables) and avoid alcohol.
- Check on vulnerable neighbours, relatives, or friends daily.
- If you take medication, consult your doctor about possible effects during high temperatures.
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