Firefighters have been working all day and through the night to extinguish the fire in a composting plant located in the Parque de la Reina area of the south of Tenerife, which started yesterday afternoon, in which five people have been injured and 180 animals evacuated from shelters.
The fire has generated a large column of thick black smoke and is expected to continue for several days due to the type of material that is burning, as reported by the Tenerife Cabildo.
The extinguishing team are focusing on two areas to try and protect a house close to the area of the fire, and control the perimeter to stop it from spreading. This morning, at first light, a drone will be used to evaluate the perimeter and impact of the fire from the air.
“The visual effect during the night has been incredible as we have not been able to control the flames yet,” said one of the firefighters operating at the scene.
Overnight there has been a team of 15 people and a dozen vehicles belonging to the Tenerife Firefighters Consortium and the Volunteer Firefighters of Adeje, Güímar and La Laguna carrying out surveillance work.
They continued watering the fire from the ground with the main aim of containing it to prevent the perimeter from increasing. More firefighters and aerial support will assist from first light.
The Arona City Council has issued recommendations to people living in the surrounding areas of Parque La Reina, Buzanada, Guaza, Cabo Blanco and Valle de San Lorenzo, to take extreme precautions in the face of the fire for their own safety and the safety of others:
· Close doors, windows and all ventilation in the house (chimneys, heating, air conditioners, etc.) to prevent smoke from entering the home.
· As far as possible, do not stay in outdoor areas, and prevent children from going outside to play.
· Avoid going out as much as possible and if you do, to avoid respiratory problems, wear masks.
· In case the cloud is very dense, do not drive vehicles to avoid accidents due to lack of visibility.
· If you have symptoms related to smoke inhalation, consult your doctor/health centre and call 112.
· Stay calm, avoiding situations of fear and panic.
· Pay special attention to people with greater susceptibility, such as people with respiratory problems, young children or the elderly.
· Be attentive to the instructions you receive from the civil protection authorities.
