Lanzarote and Tenerife declare state of 'alert' with tourists in peril

James Rodger
·2-min read
Lanzarote and Tenerife declare state of 'alert' with tourists in peril
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


A "pre-alert" situation has been announced by the UK Foreign Office due to the heightened possibility of "abnormally high temperatures" and "dry, warm air" in the Canary Islands. Aemet, has placed large portions of the islands under extreme red warnings.

The elevated risk is expected to persist through the weekend, particularly in southern Tenerife and Fuerteventura. Although the danger will decrease in most areas by Monday, localized threats remain for parts of southern Tenerife.

The rising temperatures, unusual for this time of year, coupled with dry conditions, have heightened the likelihood of forest fires spreading rapidly. Tenerife and Gran Canaria’s areas above 1,000 meters, as well as southern zones above 400 meters, are deemed the most vulnerable.

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Residents and visitors are urged to follow stringent safety guidelines, including properly extinguishing cigarette ends, avoiding the lighting of outdoor barbecues in forested regions, and responsibly disposing of all waste in the European Union holiday hotspot.

The UK Foreign Office has issued detailed guidance to mitigate wildfire risks. Travelers are advised to: "Stay Informed: Monitor local weather forecasts and updates from trusted sources. Avoid High-Risk Activities: Refrain from lighting fires, discarding lit matches, or leaving behind glass bottles that can magnify sunlight and ignite fires.

"Report Emergencies: Dial 112 immediately to report any signs of fire. Early intervention is crucial to minimizing damage." The Foreign Office advice goes on to stipulate: "Follow Evacuation Orders: Be prepared to evacuate quickly if instructed by local authorities."

Last year, the Spanish government approved a €2.2bn (£1.9bn) plan to help farmers and consumers cope with an enduring drought that has been exacerbated by the hottest and driest April on record. The environment minister, Teresa Ribera, said the effects of the climate emergency were becoming increasingly evident. “Spain is a country that is used to periods of drought but there’s no doubt that, as a consequence of the climate change we’re experiencing, we’re seeing far more frequent and intense events and phenomena,” she said.

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