Help us to prevent forest fires in Tenerife

Tenerife is home to forest areas with high fire risk, which is why certain activities require prior authorisation:

• Burning agricultural waste
• Using fireworks
• Charcoal making
• Camping, etc.

This system of permits ensures that you will receive the best advice from the Island Council and BRIFOR (Tenerife Island Council Forest Brigade), to be able to enjoy the island’s natural areas in the safest way possible.

Top tips for reducing the risk of forest fires in Tenerife

For visitors

While visiting our natural areas and facilities, keep in mind the following four ways to protect and preserve the surroundings:

1. Never leavelitter behind. Put all rubbish in your backpack or in the closest bin.
2. Be especially careful not to drop cigarette butts or lit matches on the ground or throw them from your car window.
3. Only camp in designated areas and always request prior authorisation.
4. At permitted times of the year, only light fires at designated campfires and make sure to put it out completely when you are finished.

For residents

If you live in the mountains or close to an area with a high fire risk, take the following precautions:

• Follow rules regarding the times of year when burning, fireworks, charcoal makingand other regulated forest activities are permitted. 
• Request permits to burn waste, use fireworks or for any other activity that requires authorisation. 
• Take great care when using dangerous power tools next to vegetation (angle grinders, welding tools, engines, strimmers…), especially on high risk days.
• Clear vegetation 15 metres around your home or buildings, and avoid accumulating debris in the surrounding area.
• Ensure a 25 metres hose in good condition is available at all times.
• Keep rooftops and gutters clear from leaves and twigs, and cut back branches that touch them.
• Cut low branches on trees close to your home or buildings and remember to clear pine needles regularly.  
• Store fuel and firewood in a safe location, far from your home and any vegetation.
• Avoid climbing plants and choose fire resistant varieties that are adapted to the surroundings, such as cacti and succulents. 
• Ensure exit pathways are always clear and accessible. 

What do to in case of fire

If you come across a forest fire, do the following:

1. Collaborate with the emergency services and follow their instructions to make your way to safety as soon as possible. 
2. If your home is close to the fire, evacuate as soon as you are told to do so by the emergency services, in an orderly and calm manner.  
3. Leave the experts to extinguish the fire. Never make your way to the forest to try and help them. 
4. If you wish to help, get in touch with the town council and they will inform you what else you can do.
5. Observe restrictions on access to affected areas, so as to avoid road blockages and facilitate access for the fire fighters.

If you would like more information on the activation of fire prevention measures in Tenerife, we recommend you take a look at the official regulations, and download the KMZ tracks on your device, which contain information about fire risk areas on the island.

Also, remember that in our warnings and alerts section you will always find the most up-to-date information regarding our natural areas.