El Cabildo de La Gomera aplica medidas preventivas por riesgo de incendios forestales
The La Gomera Council is implementing preventive measures starting this Thursday in response to the alert declaration for the risk of forest fires issued by the General Directorate of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands in the western islands and Gran Canaria.
The island’s president, Casimiro Curbelo, appealed to civic responsibility «to take extreme measures and act with caution and common sense, complying with the guidelines established by the authorities. It is the task of everyone to act with common sense and as guarantors of the care and conservation of our natural environment.»
On the other hand, the island’s councillor for the Environment and Emergencies, Héctor Cabrera, detailed that, with the alert situation, preventive measures of level 1 are activated on the island, decreeing the prohibition of lighting fires outdoors through bonfires, stoves, barbecues, and wood-fired ovens. This measure also extends to the use of stoves in recreational areas located in forest environments lacking safety measures, such as spark arrestors.
Likewise, the burning of vegetable or forest residues and the use of machinery that generates sparks are prohibited, as well as pyrotechnic displays in fire risk areas.
It is recommended to exercise extreme caution throughout the island 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 produces sparks.
Furthermore, citizens are reminded that in any risky situation, they should contact the emergency service through 1-1-2, or the Insular Operational Coordination Center of La Gomera at 922 14 15 01.
Observations
The General Directorate of Emergencies points to a heatwave episode in midlands and high areas, with maximum temperatures likely to reach or exceed 34 – 37ºC. Relative humidity is expected to be below 30% at altitudes above 400 – 600 meters. The prevailing wind will be from the east – northeast on Thursday and Friday, and from the northeast over the weekend, moderate to locally strong.
The population is urged to follow the following self-protection tips in the face of forest fire risk.
Fire Extinguishing Operation 2025
The La Gomera Council has, for the 2025 summer fire prevention and extinguishing campaign, a reinforced operation consisting of more than 200 personnel and an investment exceeding 2.5 million euros. The operation, valid until October 31, includes personnel from the Council, Garajonay National Park, the EIRIF team of the Government of the Canary Islands, and volunteer groups, supported by 20 fire-fighting vehicles and two aircraft based on the island.
The summer planning once again includes the use of drones for surveillance and coordination tasks. In addition, portable tanks have been used to facilitate the supply of air assets. In parallel, prevention tasks have been carried out in high-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 efforts have been complemented by training actions aimed at security forces, volunteers, and technical staff to enhance emergency response.
Regarding human resources, this campaign includes personnel from the State Security Forces and Corps, Volunteer Firefighters of Valle Gran Rey and La Gomera, Civil Protection, Anaga Emergency Aid, La Gomera General Health Services Foundation, Red Cross, Tragsa, EIRIF, Council’s Environmental Unit, and National Park.
