The General Directorate of Security and Emergencies of the Canary Islands Government has declared a situation of alert for forest fires, particularly in Gran Canaria. This is based upon information received about weather conditions within the Special Plan for Civil Protection of the Canary Islands (INFOCA).
The alert situation is set, specifically, at a level above 1,000 metres in the north of Gran Canaria, and above 400 metres in the east, south, and west of the island, leaving the areas below those levels in a situation of pre-alert.
The alert is due to rising temperatures, which are forecast to reach 34ºC in certain areas of Gran Canaria tomorrow, mainly on the west, south, and southeast slopes. The moderate northeast wind, which will intensify throughout the day, reaching very strong gusts locally in the evening, is another factor to take into account, as is the low humidity meaning very hot and dry air.
The conditions that are most prominent for forest fires are known as the Three30s:
- Temperatures above 30°C.
- Humidity below 30%.
- Winds above 30km/h.
HOW TO PREVENT A FIRE:
- In times of high temperatures and strong winds, it is necessary to refrain from lighting a fire outside, not even a barbecue, in a garden, or on private land.
- Do not throw away matches or cigarette butts. Also, do not throw paper, plastic, glass or any type of waste or combustible material that could cause a fire.
- In forest areas, do not use hedge cutters, chainsaws, welding equipment or angle grinders due to the sparks they emit.
- In times of risk of fire, to enter the forest it is convenient to know the terrain well, communication routes, alternative paths and try to always walk through areas of high visibility. If you are going hiking, especially in the company of adults and children, try not to leave the marked circuits, and take plenty of water.
- Never camp outside designated areas, especially far from access roads. In the event of a fire, you could be surrounded or trapped by flames.
HOW TO ACT IN CASE OF A FOREST FIRE IN THE CANARY ISLANDS:
- If you see a fire, always call the emergency number 1-1-2.
- Observe the direction of the fire and quickly plan an escape route.
- If the heart of the fire is small, try to put it out by hitting it with branches, or throwing water or earth on it.
- If it is not possible to put it out, try to get away by going in the opposite direction to the wind.
- Keep calm, don't run, paying attention to the ground you are stepping on.
- If you can, go to areas devoid of vegetation or already burned. Do not go into ravines.
- If there is smoke in the area, cover your mouth and nose with a damp tissue. Drink lots of fluids.
- Do not try to cross on foot or by vehicle the areas with fire or smoke, because the lack of visibility can cause you to suffer an accident.
