The City Council of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has activated the alert for wildfire risk in areas above 400 meters from 08:00 this Sunday. Temperatures will reach 38 degrees inland.
The City Council of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has implemented the alert for wildfire risk in the municipality's areas located above 400 meters in altitude since 08:00 this Sunday, July 5. The decision responds to the declaration by the General Directorate of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands due to a heatwave that increases the fire danger on the island.
The Municipal Emergency Plan of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (PEMULPA) is already activated to coordinate any incidents that may arise from this weather episode. According to the city council, the alert will initially affect the eastern islands and will progressively extend to the rest of the archipelago during the next week.
Temperatures of up to 38 degrees and low humidity
Weather forecasts indicate maximum temperatures between 34 and 36 degrees in Gran Canaria, which could occasionally reach 38 degrees in inland areas, southern and western midlands, and the Tejeda basin on Monday. The combination of intense heat and low relative humidity, which will drop below 30% in forest areas, creates a perfect breeding ground for the spread of fires.
The thermal inversion will be between 400 and 500 meters in altitude, favouring a mass of warm, dry air. This phenomenon, along with the moderate trade winds blowing locally strong in exposed areas, further increases the risk. Additionally, a slight intrusion of dust is expected in the eastern islands, which worsens visibility and air quality.
Recommendations for citizens
The City Council has called for citizen cooperation and reminds that it is prohibited to light fires in the countryside outside designated areas. It also recommends not throwing cigarette butts, matches, or other combustible materials, as any carelessness can trigger a fire with unpredictable consequences.
If a fire outbreak is detected, the city council urges immediate notification to 112 and to follow the instructions of emergency services. The situation will remain under constant monitoring, as weather models predict a progressive increase in risk between Monday and Wednesday.
For residents of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, especially those living or passing through the high areas of the municipality, it is essential to take extra precautions. Avoiding activities that may generate sparks, such as using agricultural machinery or barbecues, and staying informed through official channels are key measures to prevent disasters.
Background: in recent years, Gran Canaria has suffered devastating wildfires, such as the one in 2019 in the island's summit, which destroyed thousands of hectares. The early activation of alerts aims to prevent history from repeating itself.
The City Council will continue to assess the weather evolution and update measures if necessary. Meanwhile, the recommendation is clear: caution and shared responsibility to protect the island's natural heritage.
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