UK issues alert as wildfire threat looms over Canary Islands

The UK Foreign Office has raised concerns regarding the growing risk of wildfires in the Canary Islands, particularly affecting popular tourist destinations such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote. Aemet, Spain’s national weather agency, has issued extreme red warnings for wildfires due to abnormally high temperatures and dry, warm air that create perfect conditions for such disasters. The alert was prompted by consultations with the Canary Islands government and the Special Plan for Civil Protection and Emergency Response for Forest Fires, focusing on regions above 1,000 meters in Tenerife and Gran Canaria, and above 400 meters in southern areas. The pre-alert was announced on November 27, 2024, and the situation escalated as the warnings were expected to spread to larger sections of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote by Saturday, November 30, 2024. On the ground, officials are urging both residents and tourists to adhere to strict guidelines aimed at preventing accidental fires, highlighting that causing a wildfire, even unintentionally, is a criminal offense in Spain. Recommendations include proper disposal of cigarette butts, avoiding open barbecues, and reporting any sightings of smoke or fire immediately by calling emergency services. It is important to stress that some regions will remain under red alerts until at least Sunday, with the risk of wildfires significantly reducing in other areas thereafter. The focus of the warnings is primarily on the mountainous regions of the islands, where drier conditions raise the likelihood of fires spreading rapidly. Awareness campaigns are in place to ensure safety, as many tourists flock to these islands for winter sun. Despite the oversight and regulations, past experiences with wildfires in the region have raised alarm and longer-term concerns among both visitors and residents, particularly regarding the adequacy of emergency responses and preventive measures. With the changing climate exacerbating weather patterns, the Canary Islands are increasingly experiencing unpredictable and extreme weather events, which are considered a significant factor contributing to the heightened fire risk. Local authorities are working closely with national weather services to monitor conditions closely, but the short-term outlook remains precarious as tourists are encouraged to stay informed and prioritized to follow government advice for their safety. Overall, while the situation appears to be manageable for now, the rapid changes in environmental conditions mean ongoing vigilance is crucial as authorities prepare for potential escalation in fire threats.