El Cabildo de La Gomera aplica medidas preventivas ante alerta por temperaturas y riesgo de incendios forestales

The General Directorate of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands has decreed, starting this Wednesday, July 16, at 08.00 hours, the entry into force of the alert situation due to maximum temperatures and risk of forest fires on the Islands.

Therefore, the president of the Cabildo, Casimiro Curbelo, reported the implementation of preventive measures by the insular institution, urging the population to exercise extreme caution in this situation, avoiding any action that could trigger a fire. «We are facing a scenario that poses risks, especially in mid-mountain areas and areas close to forests, so we appeal to common sense and to act responsibly,» he added.

Preventive measures of level 1

The insular councilor for the Environment and Emergencies, Héctor Cabrera, recalled that, with the alert situation, level 1 preventive measures are activated on the island, so the prohibition of outdoor fires through bonfires, stoves, barbecues, and wood ovens is decreed. This measure also extends to the use of stoves in recreational areas located in the forest environment that lack safety measures, such as spark arresters.

Likewise, the burning of vegetable or forest remains and the use of machinery that generates sparks are prohibited, as well as pyrotechnic displays in fire risk areas.

It is recommended to exercise caution throughout the insular territory with any activity that could cause a fire, such as smoking, the use of generators, electrolytic or pyrotechnic materials, and the use of machinery that generates sparks.

Observations

The observations of the General Directorate of Emergencies associated with the alert for maximum temperatures predict a heat episode with maximum temperatures that will probably reach or exceed 34 – 38ºC. The highest temperatures are expected in mid-mountain areas and in the interior of the islands, while the minimum temperatures will also be abnormally high, especially on the east, south, and west slopes. There will be large areas with minimum temperatures above 25ºC, with light haze.

Additionally, regarding the maximum alert for forest fire risk, and combined with the heat episode, it is expected that the relative humidity will be below 30%. Also, on this Wednesday, a general east component wind is expected to be light to moderate in the forest area, while on Thursday and Friday it will be strong, with probable gusts equal to or greater than 70 km/h.

Recommendations to the population

It is recommended that the population follow the advice established by the Directorate of Security and Emergencies, both for the alert due to maximum temperatures and for the risk of fires. Likewise, citizens are reminded that, in the face of any risk situation, they should contact the emergency service through 1-1-2, or the Insular Emergency Coordination Center (CECOPIN) at 922 14 15 01.

Fire extinguishing operation 2025

The Cabildo of La Gomera has, for the prevention and extinction campaign of fires for the summer of 2025, a reinforced operation formed by more than 200 personnel and an investment exceeding 2.5 million euros. The operation, valid until October 31, includes personnel from the Cabildo, Garajonay National Park, the EIRIF team of the Government of the Canary Islands, and volunteer groups, and is supported by 20 firefighting vehicles and two air assets based on the island.

The planning for this summer includes the use of drones for surveillance and coordination tasks. As well as portable tanks to facilitate the supply of air assets. In parallel, prevention tasks have been carried out in risk areas such as the ravines of Vallehermoso, Hermigua, Valle Gran Rey, and San Sebastián, as well as the hamlets in the high areas of the island. These tasks have been complemented by training actions aimed at security forces, volunteers, and technical personnel, in order to improve the response to emergency situations.

Regarding human resources, this campaign includes personnel from the State Security Forces and Corps, Volunteer Firefighters from Valle Gran Rey and La Gomera, Civil Protection, Anaga Emergency Aid, La Gomera General Sociosanitary Services Foundation, Red Cross, Tragsa, EIRIF, Cabildo’s Environment Unit, and National Park.