Summer season forest fires are a growing concern in many regio’s, fueled by rising temperaturen and prolongeer droughts. These files not only devastate natural landscapes bus also threaten wildlife and communities.
During the summer months, there is an increased risk of forest fires due to higher temperatures and drier weather conditions. Add to this the presence of people in forested areas and a flammable mixture is created that can be dangerous to existing ecosystems, destroy property and even endanger lives.
42 personal at Teide National Park
The island government – Cabildo de Tenerife – has taken measures to prevent fires in the island’s protected areas. A total of 327 emergency workers are available and can be deployed to extinguish fires. Notwithstanding staff are deployed throughout the year to carry out tasks such as fire management and prevention, it is necessary to put full effort into forest fire fighting and extinguishing operations.
The forest fire season started in spring and lasts till mid-December. To have sufficient personnel, 122 emergency personnel have been added to the firefighting staff. In addition, the Parque Nacional del Teide has 42 personnel who provide preventive policies.
Land and air component
For the 2023 fire season, six new forest fire trucks with a capacity of 3,000 to 4,500 litres have been added to the disposition, as well as five light fire trucks with a capacity of 500 litres.
The ground operation this year consists of three pump trucks with a capacity of 9,000 litres, 14 forest fire trucks with a capacity of 3,500 to 5,000 litres, two medium fire trucks of 1,800 litres, 30 light fire trucks of 500 litres, a command vehicle and 29 all-terrain vehicles.
As for air operations, two helicopters are stationed at Tenerife Sur airport and three drones equipped with cameras, including a thermal imaging camera, are available.
Support
In addition to the island government’s own resources, resources are also available from the Canarian government during the summer period. For instance, multi-purpose GES helicopters are stationed on each of the smaller islands and rapid intervention teams (EIRIF) are present to intervene when needed.
In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food keeps two medium-sized helicopters available with a capacity of 1,600 litres to replace the Kamov K-32 helicopter and an air tractor with 3,200 litres of firewater at La Gomera airport.
In addition, the Military Emergency Response Unit (UME) cooperates in case of emergency and makes troops available according to demand. There are two detachments, one in Tenerife at the Los Rodeos barracks and one at the military base in Gando in Gran Canaria.
Causes
The causal links causing forest fires are diverse.
Irresponsible human behaviour when camping, barbecuing or other recreational activities are causes linked to the three Os: carelessness, ignorance and inattention. Improper management of fire, such as not properly extinguishing a campfire or recklessly throwing away a burning cigarette butt, can lead to a true disaster.
Pixabay © Photography
Summer season forest fires ©
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