The Cabildo of La Gomera has activated level 1 in response to the alert for forest fire risk in the western islands and high temperatures. The restrictive measures come into effect from this Monday.
The Cabildo of La Gomera has launched level 1 of its emergency plan following the alert declared by the General Directorate of Security and Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands. The decision, announced by the island president, Casimiro Curbelo, responds to the extreme risk of forest fires affecting the western islands and Gran Canaria, exacerbated by a heatwave that is already being felt throughout the archipelago.
The measures, which come into effect this Monday, include a ban on making fires in outdoor areas, such as bonfires, stoves, barbecues, and wood ovens. The use of stoves in recreational areas of the forest that lack safety measures, such as spark arresters, is also prohibited. The burning of plant or forest waste is completely suspended, as is the use of machinery that may generate sparks and fireworks displays in risk areas.
The restrictions apply across the entire island, with one exception: areas in the north of the municipalities of Agulo, Hermigua, and Vallehermoso located below 400 meters in altitude are exempt. In the rest of the territory, any activity that could provoke a fire is under scrutiny: from smoking outdoors to using generators or electrolytic materials.
Reinforced operational plan for summer 2026
The Cabildo of La Gomera has deployed a fire prevention and extinguishing operation that will be active until 31 October. It includes more than 200 personnel and an investment exceeding 2.5 million euros. Coordination is managed by Cecopin, which integrates personnel from different administrations and entities under safety and efficiency criteria.
Preventive work has intensified in ravines, sensitive areas, and interface zones between the forest and populated areas. Attention is focused on Vallehermoso, Hermigua, Valle Gran Rey, and San Sebastián, as well as in the hamlets of the midlands and high areas. In terms of human resources, the operation includes the State Security Forces, Volunteer Firefighters of Valle Gran Rey and La Gomera, Civil Protection, Emergency Aid Anaga, the General Socio-Health Services Foundation of La Gomera, Red Cross, Tragsa, EIRIF, the Environmental Unit of the Cabildo, and the National Park.
The fleet of firefighting vehicles amounts to around twenty, along with two aerial resources based on the island. Additionally, drones and portable tanks have been incorporated to facilitate the operation of aerial resources. The training of security forces, volunteers, and technical personnel has also been reinforced to improve emergency response.
African heatwave: up to 38 degrees in the peaks
The General Directorate of Security and Emergencies warns that the heat episode is intensifying. A warm, dry air mass of continental African origin is affecting the archipelago, particularly impacting the midlands and peaks of the mountainous islands, as well as the interior of the eastern ones. The intrusion of African air may be accompanied by dust, although no significant surface dust concentrations are expected.
In La Gomera, temperatures will reach 34ºC in the peaks during the early afternoon hours of this Monday, potentially reaching 38ºC in the easternmost area of the peaks. On Tuesday and Wednesday, 36ºC is expected generally, with peaks of 38ºC in some areas. The heat will drop to 34ºC in lower areas of the southern half, near the coast. In the northern coasts, conditions will be somewhat better due to a narrow layer of cooler, more humid maritime air.
Nocturnal minimum temperatures will also be abnormally high, especially in the midlands and peaks of the southern and western slopes. The situation is expected to persist at least until Friday, when a gradual decrease in temperatures is anticipated, although weather models still need to confirm this.
The Cabildo recommends that the public take extra precautions and follow the advice of the Directorate of Security and Emergencies. In any risky situation, contact the emergency service via 1-1-2 or Cecopin at 922 14 15 01.
