In recent weeks, forest fires have reactivated on the tourist island of Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, against a backdrop of abnormally hot temperatures. Until yesterday, Sunday October 8, firefighters were mainly concentrated in three sectors covering an area of approximately 40 hectares between Santa Ursula and La Orotava.
The night from Saturday to Sunday passed without news or reactivations on the perimeter, even if operations continued on Sunday.
Firefighters in action
Firefighters, supported by six helicopters, yesterday fought the fire which broke out on Wednesday October 4 in an area of steep ravines in the north-east of the island, seriously ravaged by a huge forest fire in August, see also our article:
Tourist areas would not have been affected
Popular tourist areas in southern Tenerife are believed to have been unaffected so far. Both airports are operating normally.
Temperatures that exceed 30°
The outbreak of the fires comes as Tenerife and the neighboring island of Gran Canaria experience temperatures exceeding 30C, levels normally seen at the height of summer.
As global temperatures rise due to climate change, scientists warn that heat waves will become more frequent and more intense.
