Compiled with the help of artificial intelligence, based on Spanish-language information. Source below the article.
Gran Canaria declares fire alert above 400 metres
The Cabildo of Gran Canaria has declared an alert for forest fire risk across all parts of the island above 400 metres in altitude, in force from 08.00 on Wednesday 23 September. The management of Gran Canaria’s Forest Fire Prevention and Extinction Plan (INFOGRAN) adopted the measure on the basis of the AEMET forecast and the current state of the island, and in application of the forest fire risk alert (INFOCA) declared by the Directorate-General for Security and Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands.
African air mass to drive temperatures towards 36C
Weather models show a consistent evolution towards an episode of high temperatures associated with a mass of hot air of African origin. From Wednesday the episode is expected to intensify. On Gran Canaria maximums of 34C are forecast, locally reaching 36C, mainly on the southern and western slopes, with values of around 34C in the Tejeda basin and the Agaete valley. Minimum temperatures will also rise, and may locally remain between 26C and 28C in various parts of the island.
This set-up will favour the establishment of a hot, dry air mass over the mid-altitude areas and forest zones, with relative humidity below 30% above the inversion layer. Winds will be moderate easterlies and the inversion layer will sit between 200 and 300 metres. Forecasts suggest conditions will be especially unfavourable for forest fire risk between Thursday and Friday, when the episode will tend to spread to the rest of the archipelago as well.
Open fires and pyrotechnics banned while alert remains in force
While the alert persists, several mandatory restrictions remain in place with the aim of taking maximum precautions and protecting the territory. Members of the public are reminded that lighting fires is completely prohibited in all types of open space, as is their use in hostels, camping areas, recreational areas and rest areas along the road network, whether in spaces set aside for the purpose or by any kind of portable system.
Likewise, use of the Llanos de La Mimbre camping area and the Tamadaba recreational area is not permitted, nor is vehicular access to either space via the GC-216 road, except for local residents and public services. In the same way, as regards agricultural or forestry burning, the Cabildo of Gran Canaria is temporarily suspending all authorisations granted for the burning of stubble, permanent pasture, pruning waste and forestry waste for as long as the risk remains.
The introduction or use of pyrotechnic material is also not permitted, and the use of machinery whose operation generates deflagration, sparks or electrical discharges is prohibited in woodland and rural areas within a 400-metre strip around them, as are charcoal-burning activity and the use of fire in beekeeping.
Access to woodland and hunting suspended
Access to and movement through woodland and forest terrain, including tracks and footpaths, is likewise prohibited owing to the weather conditions and the fire risk. Excluded from this prohibition are residents, public services and fire surveillance, prevention and extinction personnel, as well as grazing activity. In this regard, it should be stressed that this restriction will not apply to land bordering within one kilometre of urban land, according to the mapping drawn up by Gran Canaria’s Department for the Environment, Climate, Energy and Knowledge.
Finally, throwing or abandoning objects that are burning or any kind of material capable of starting a fire is prohibited, and the practice of hunting is temporarily suspended across the whole of Gran Canaria.
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