The Cabildo of La Gomera has decreed since this Monday the prohibition of bonfires, barbecues, and any activity that may generate fire outdoors. The measure responds to the wildfire alert declared by the Government of the Canary Islands and the heatwave affecting the Archipelago.
The Cabildo of La Gomera has activated level 1 preventive measures in response to the wildfire risk alert declared by the Government of the Canary Islands in the western islands and Gran Canaria. The decision coincides with the alert for maximum temperatures across the Archipelago and with a heat episode that will intensify over the coming days.
Restrictions across the island except for the lower north
The restrictions apply from this Monday across the entire island territory, except in the areas of the north of Agulo, Hermigua, and Vallehermoso located below 400 meters in altitude. The president of the Cabildo, Casimiro Curbelo, has urged the population to exercise extreme caution and avoid any activity that may cause a fire.
The measure is adopted after the General Directorate of Security and Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands activated the wildfire alert in the western islands and Gran Canaria and extended the heat alert to the entire Archipelago. The situation is marked by a mass of warm, dry air of African continental origin, low humidity, and high-altitude dust.
What is prohibited under level 1
Level 1 implies the prohibition of making fires in outdoor spaces through bonfires, stoves, barbecues, and wood ovens. The restriction also extends to the use of stoves in recreational areas situated in forest environments that do not have sufficient safety measures, such as spark arresters.
The Cabildo also prohibits burning of plant or forest waste, the use of machinery that may produce sparks, and fireworks displays in areas at risk of fire. The island institution recommends special caution with tobacco, generators, electrolytic material, and any element that may generate heat, fire, or sparks.
Citizens must follow the instructions of the General Directorate of Security and Emergencies and respect any limitations that may be established while the alert lasts. In the event of any signs of smoke, fire, or risk situations, one should call 112 or contact the Cecopin of La Gomera at the phone number 922 14 15 01.
Intense heat in the summits and midlands
The weather forecast indicates a period of elevated temperatures in La Gomera, especially in summits, midlands, and southern and eastern areas of the Island. During the afternoon of this Monday, values of 34 degrees are expected in high areas, with readings that could reach or exceed 38 degrees in the easternmost sector of the summits.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, temperatures of 36 degrees are expected generally in the summits, with points where again 38 degrees could be reached. The heat may also reach lower levels in the southern half, even in areas close to the coast, with values around 34 degrees.
The northern coasts of the mountainous islands will maintain somewhat milder conditions due to the presence of a narrow layer of maritime air, cooler and more humid. Nevertheless, the episode will be accompanied by abnormally high nighttime lows, especially in the midlands and summits of the southern and western slopes.
African air and high-altitude dust
The weather situation is associated with an intrusion of African continental air, warm and dry, affecting the Archipelago. This scenario may be accompanied by dust, although no significant concentrations of dust at the surface are expected.
According to forecasts, the episode could last at least until Friday, when a gradual decrease in temperatures is expected. In the meantime, the residents of La Gomera should keep their matches stored and enjoy the summer responsibly: the mountains do not forgive a spark.
