Wildfires in Tenerife have a devastating impact on people and nature and must be avoided at all costs.
Summer in Tenerife not only brings sun-drenched beaches and tourist crowds, but also an invisible threat: wildfires. Due to the combination of prolonged drought, high temperatures, strong winds, and inaccessible mountain areas, wildfires are a recurring annual risk. Their impact is enormous — for people, nature, and the economy. From destroyed forests and evacuated villages to increased risks of soil erosion and water shortages. From a meteorological point of view, it is clear that weather conditions play a crucial role in both the ignition and suppression of these wildfires.
A breeding ground for risks
Tenerife has a rich and diverse landscape with extensive pine forests, laurel woods, and mountainous areas, including the protected El Teide National Park. These natural treasures are extremely vulnerable during dry periods. The hot summer months — from June through September — are characterized by high temperatures often exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, low humidity, and intense solar radiation.
In addition, the northeastern trade winds intensify the drought, especially on the western and southern flanks of the island. These winds cause moist air to rise against the mountain mass and condense into clouds and mist, especially in the north. The south, however, often remains dry and warm, with an increased fire risk.
An additional factor is the calima, a meteorological phenomenon where dry, hot air blows in from the Western Sahara or farther south from Mauritania. During calima episodes, the temperature suddenly rises by 5 to 10 degrees, humidity drops below 15%, and the air fills with fine desert dust — ideal conditions for spontaneous fire outbreaks.
Nature and people in danger
The consequences of a wildfire are devastating. Vegetation is destroyed in a matter of hours, ecosystems are severely disrupted, and animals die or lose their habitat. The Canary pine has a certain resistance to fire, but even this resilient pine species cannot survive severe wildfires.
For humans, the danger is also significant. Residents of nearby villages are sometimes evacuated. Smoke inhalation poses an immediate health risk, especially for the elderly and people with respiratory conditions. Roads are closed, tourist routes shut down, and economic damage occurs due to lost revenue from tourism and agriculture.
After a fire, a second disaster follows: erosion. Without vegetation, fertile soil is washed away during rainfall. This hinders regrowth and increases the risk of flooding — a direct link between fire and water scarcity, often felt months later.
Resources and personnel
The government of the Canary Islands, in cooperation with the Spanish national government, takes extensive measures to reduce wildfire risks and improve response efforts.
The island has a network of lookout points, fire watch patrols, and surveillance drones that are deployed permanently during the summer months. In critical periods, the number of patrols in high-risk areas such as the Anaga and Teno mountain ranges is increased.
The Brifor (Brigadas Forestales) is Tenerife’s specialized forest fire brigade. This unit is specifically trained for natural and forest fires and is equipped with helicopters, firefighting aircraft, off-road vehicles, and mobile command posts. During peak times, additional support is called in from the Spanish military via the UME (Unidad Militar de Emergencias).
There are also fire management plans (INFOCA) that are reviewed annually. These include designated risk zones, action procedures, and evacuation plans, as well as coordination with the meteorological service AEMET, which provides daily risk indicators based on temperature, humidity, wind strength, and vegetation index.
Meteorological role
Meteorology plays a key role in both prevention and suppression. AEMET produces detailed risk maps and uses so-called Fire Weather Index models, which use real-time data to indicate how quickly and intensely a fire might develop.
When a calima is approaching or a prolonged drought is forecast, warning levels are raised. During code yellow, orange, or red periods, preventive measures are taken such as the closure of nature parks, the ban on outdoor fires, and the cancellation of certain sports or recreational events.
During active wildfires in Tenerife, meteorologists are deployed at the coordination center to provide firefighting teams with up-to-date information on wind direction, airflows, and expected weather changes — information that is vital in determining firefighting strategies.
Measures for the public
In times of drought and increased fire risk, the government urges citizens to:
Not start fires in or near forested areas (including barbecues).
Not discard cigarettes along hiking trails or from vehicles.
Properly dispose of waste, as glass bottles or cans can cause fires through lensing effects.
Keep roads clear for emergency services.
Strictly follow evacuation instructions in case of alerts.
Stay informed through official channels such as Cabildo de Tenerife, Protección Civil, and AEMET. Additionally, the public is urged to immediately report suspicious smoke or fire outbreaks via the emergency number 112.
Awareness
The meteorological conditions in Tenerife are erratic and unique. The island’s beauty – its subtropical climate, lush nature, and diverse landscapes – comes with a responsibility. Fire danger is part of this balance.
Each summer it becomes clear how quickly the ‘normal’ weather pattern can turn into an emergency. Thanks to technological advances, government efforts, and a vigilant population, Tenerife is now better prepared than ever. Still, awareness remains the best prevention.
Because a spark, at the wrong time and in the wrong place, is sometimes enough to set an entire mountain slope ablaze.
Pixabay © Photography
Wildfires in Tenerife ©
More TRIVIA can be read [HERE].
Interested in Tenerife?
Subscribe to our newsletter and always stay informed about the news on Tenerife.
Enter your first name and a valid email address below. Then click on Subscribe.
