The Cabildo raises fire prevention to level 2 in Anaga from tomorrow, Saturday, with the closure of recreational areas and a ban on circulating on forest tracks. The City Council urges caution due to temperatures of up to 33 degrees.
The City Council of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has activated a special prevention device in response to the heatwave that will hit the island in the coming days. The most significant measure comes from the Cabildo of Tenerife, which has raised fire risk restrictions to level 2 in the Anaga massif, effective from 08:00 hours tomorrow, Saturday, August 1.
The decision, made by the Department of Natural Environment, Sustainability, Safety and Emergencies, involves the closure of all recreational areas and camping zones in the rural park, as well as the prohibition of motor vehicle circulation on forest tracks. It is also forbidden to light fires outdoors, smoke, use pyrotechnic materials, or operate machinery that may generate sparks.
The park of Las Mesas, one of the most frequented spaces in the capital, has already been closed to the public since yesterday, in accordance with the Insular Emergency Plan of Tenerife (PEIN). This measure has been taken as a precaution in response to the alert declared by the Government of the Canary Islands, which forecasts temperatures of up to 32 and 33 degrees in the inland areas of the island.
The capital's City Council insists that the Santa Cruz area faces a continued episode of moderate to high heat risk, which necessitates heightened health protection measures, especially among the most vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses.
Recommendations for citizens
The General Directorate of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands has issued a series of practical tips to minimise the effects of the heat. Among them, it is advised to stay as long as possible in the coolest parts of the home, lower the blinds during sunny hours, and ventilate the house at night.
It is also recommended to use air conditioning or, if unavailable, to spend at least two hours a day in air-conditioned places such as shopping centres or libraries. When going outside, the most prudent option is to walk in the shade, wear light-coloured clothing, and protect oneself with a cap or hat.
One of the sternest warnings from the authorities is that children and the elderly should never be left inside closed vehicles, even for a brief period. It is also advised against engaging in prolonged physical exercise during the peak hours of the day, between 12:00 and 17:00.
“We recommend taking extra precautions and always following the instructions of emergency services,” stated a spokesperson for the City Council of Santa Cruz.
Regarding food, experts suggest opting for light meals rich in water and minerals, such as fruits and vegetables, to replenish losses from sweating. Alcoholic beverages and heavy meals, which increase the sensation of heat and hinder hydration, are discouraged.
Impact on the daily lives of residents
The restrictions directly affect residents and visitors who usually use the recreational areas of Anaga for day trips. The closure of areas such as the park of Las Mesas means a change of plans for many families, who will need to seek alternative leisure activities in other parts of the island over the weekend.
Residents of the rural areas of Anaga will also see limited access to forest tracks, a measure aimed at preventing any ignition risk in an area of high ecological value. The Anaga massif, declared a Biosphere Reserve, is home to one of the highest concentrations of endemic species in the Canary Islands, making its protection particularly sensitive.
Authorities remind that the alert for high temperatures may last several days, so the population is advised to stay informed through the official channels of the Cabildo and the City Council. In case of any emergency, the number to call is 112, the single emergency response number in the Canary Islands.
For the coming days, high temperatures are expected to persist, with tropical nights in coastal areas. The forecast indicates that the heatwave may subside by the middle of next week, although emergency services do not rule out extending the restrictions if weather conditions do not improve.
Meanwhile, the City Council calls for individual and collective responsibility to avoid risky behaviours, especially in forest areas. Prevention remains the best tool to avoid wildfires like those that have devastated other parts of the island in previous years.
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