A small forest fire has been extinguished in Tenerife, after a rapid response by emergency services prevented it from spreading during a period of high wildfire risk across the Canary Islands.
The fire broke out shortly after 7.30pm in the forested area near the Chivisaya viewpoint in Arafo. Thanks to the swift action of the Cabildo's Forest Brigade (Brifor), the blaze was contained after burning just 150 square metres of vegetation.
Fast Response Prevents Spread
The affected area lies close to land devastated by Tenerife's major wildfire in 2023, making the quick response particularly important given the current weather conditions.
Alongside Brifor crews, the operation involved officers from the Local Police in Arafo and Candelaria, the Canary Islands Police, Tenerife Firefighters, and the Guardia Civil.
The cause of the fire has not yet been disclosed.
High Fire Risk Remains
The incident comes as the Canary Islands remain under a heat alert, with temperatures climbing into the mid to high 30s across parts of the archipelago.
A forest fire risk alert also remains in force above 400 metres on Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro due to the combination of extreme heat, dry air from Africa and unfavourable wind conditions.
Authorities are urging residents and visitors to avoid any activities that could spark a fire, including lighting barbecues, using fireworks or discarding cigarette ends in rural or forested areas.
With vegetation already extremely dry following the recent heatwave, even a small ignition source can quickly develop into a serious wildfire.
