New measures against forest fires in Tenerife. Level 1
Tenerife Island Council introduces 4 levels of forest fire risk on the island
In June 2023, the Tenerife Island Council decided to activate measures to prevent forest fires, especially for the summer.
To this end, it defined 4 levels of fire risk, each with different rules to be followed by the public and the administration:
- Level 0
- Level 1
- Level 2
- Level 3
We are currently at LEVEL 1
Check what measures to take for each level
Level 0
Level 0 means that ordinary use of forests and protected natural areas as provided for in the laws and regulations (specifically, those regulating forest fire prevention measures), together with the plans and rules of the protected natural areas, will remain in force.
However, if a PREALERT situation is declared due to the risk of forest fires, the burning of agricultural or forestry waste will be prohibited.
Level 1
Prohibited activities:
- Outdoor fires: bonfires, open fires, barbecues, gas cookers, etc.
- Pyrotechnic displays.
- Machinery and tools that produce sparks.1
1 Exceptionally, this type of activity may be carried out for urgent reasons with fire-fighting support on hand, after consultation with the Forestry Management Service (Servicio de Gestión Forestal), which will study its viability.
Level 2
Prohibited activities:
- Outdoor fires: bonfires, open fires, barbecues, gas cookers, etc.
- Pyrotechnic displays.
- Machinery and tools that produce sparks.1
- Forestry operations.
- Hunting activity on the entire island.
- Motor vehicles on forest tracks for recreational purposes.2
- Recreational areas, camping areas, campsites.3
- Sporting events and pilgrimages on forest tracks and trails and cross-country trails.
1 Exceptionally, this type of activity may be carried out for urgent reasons with fire-fighting support on hand, after consultation with the Forestry Management Service, which will study its viability.
2 Consult the map of the network of forest tracks for recreational purposes and the regulations for their use.
3 Consult infrastructures affected by the Order.
Level 3
Prohibited activities:
- Outdoor fires: bonfires, open fires, barbecues, gas cookers, etc.
- Pyrotechnic displays.
- Machinery and tools that produce sparks.1
- Forestry operations.
- Hunting activity on the entire island.
- Motor vehicles on forest tracks for recreational purposes.2
- Recreational areas, camping areas, campsites.3
- Overnight stays in the countryside and use of forest tracks and trails or cross-country trails.4
1 Exceptionally, this type of activity may be carried out for urgent reasons with fire-fighting support on hand, after consultation with the Forestry Management Service, which will study its viability.
2 Consult the map of the network of forest tracks for recreational purposes and the regulations for their use.
3 Consult infrastructures affected by the Order.
4 Local town councils will collaborate through their agents by sealing off access to paths or trails in areas where access has been restricted.
General recommendations for all levels of risk
During the summer season, and regardless of the current fire risk level, we advise you to follow these recommendations to reduce the risk of fire on the island:
- Avoid entering or spending time in the forested areas of Tenerife.
- Take extreme precautions on the entire island with any activity that could start a fire (smoking, use of generators, electrical and pyrotechnic material, etc.).
- If you are a private promoter of activities that are not prohibited in the risk zone, always take the necessary measures for the declared level of fire risk.
Tenerife ON would like to thank you for supporting the Island Council and the fire-fighting forces in their efforts to keep our island and natural parks safe from fire.
