The Canary Islands have been on high alert this week as scorching temperatures, dry winds from the Sahara, and low rainfall combine to create ideal conditions for devastating wildfires. A state of pre-alert has been in force across five of the islands.
The heightened warning was first issued by the government of the Canary Islands on June 1 at 7am, affecting El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria. According to Spain’s national weather agency Aemet, areas on the southwest coast of Tenerife, the south of Fuerteventura, and parts of Lanzarote were at ‘very high’ or ‘high’ risk for wildfires yesterday. Authorities are asking residents and visitors to take extra care, especially when in or near wooded areas. This week, the Spanish government also approved a massive £115 million wildfire prevention and action plan.
The Canary Islands government is urging locals and tourits alike to not throw lit cigarette butts or matches anywhere, whether you are walking or driving, and to avoid using fireworks, firecrackers, or any other fire-related devices in high-risk areas, which includes open fields, agricultural lands, and especially residential neighborhoods surrounded by forests.
Keeping basic firefighting tools such as hoses and axes ready, along with a water supply, can help you act quickly in case a fire starts nearby. If a wildfire occurs, the government advises to stay calm and avoid spreading unverified information, and to call emergency services at 112 and follow the authorities’ instructions carefully.
Other advice includes turning off gas and electricity, take only your essential items such as documents, money, and medicines, and proceed to the designated safe areas, the website says.
If the fire surrounds your home, stay inside, close all windows and doors, and seal any gaps. Fill bathtubs and sinks with water, spray water on doors and windows, and place wet towels under doors to keep smoke out. Wear cotton clothing and breathe close to the ground if there is heavy smoke.
From June 1, the Government of the Canary Islands activated its wildfire prevention campaign, deploying over 2,000 personnel to respond to increased fire risks. Spain’s Council of Ministers has also officially just approved the 2025 Wildfire Prevention and Response Plan.
The announcement, made by government spokesperson Pilar Alegría, confirmed a record investment of about £115 million. This year’s budget surpasses last year’s allocation and is aimed primarily at forest maintenance, firebreak creation, and rapid-response capacity.
Alegría highlighted that Spain recorded its lowest number of wildfires in a decade in 2024, with a total of 6,134 incidents, although she lamented the loss of five lives.
The new campaign includes more than 1,400 personnel from the Unidad Militar de Emergencias (UME), over 70 aircraft, and the deployment of highly specialised forest firefighting brigades (BRIF). These state-level resources are designed to complement the efforts of regional and local governments.
