Forest fire pre-warning issued by the Canary Islands
Fiery Peril Looms Over Canary Islands: Here's What You Need to Know
🌪️ Saharan Heat Wave Triggers Wildfire Warning
Soaring temperatures, a crippling drought, and an influx of Saharan dust (calima) have thrust the Canary Islands into a potently combustible situation, triggering a forest fire pre-alert for Tenerife, El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, and Gran Canaria. The northern stretches of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura face the highest risk of conflagration, with both islands plunged under 'extreme' red warnings for wildfires on 4 June - the highest level of danger.
🌡️ Climate Crisis Sparks Tinderbox Conditions
Declining rainfall, surging temperatures, and the onslaught of a dry, dusty wind from the Sahara Desert have united to create a perfect storm for wildfires. As summer descends and the typical rainy season comes to a close, the Canary Islands skate the edge of medium to high fire risk.
🚒 Firefighters Brace for Battle
More than 2,000 firefighters stand on the frontlines, ready to simultaneously combat potential flames across the western islands and Grand Canaria. The islands' verdant forests, pivotal to biodiversity and carbon sequestration, are particularly endangered.
📉 A Belltower of Warnings
This warning bell tolls with a melancholic echo, echoing the devastating consequences witnessed in 2023, when Tenerife was ravaged by its most severe wildfires in four decades. With over 12,000 residents fleeing to safety, thousands of hectares of land succumbed to the inferno, and numerous towns were subsumed under thick smoke. Investigations concluded that the blaze was intentionally ignited by arsonists.
🚫 Be Cautious: Mind Your A's and C's
To prevent similar disasters, the authorities have issued a series of precautions:
Avoid activities that could potentially spark a fire in the dry conditions.* Be vigilant and report any unusual smoke or fire activity to the authorities.* Keep your property clear of dry vegetation and other potential fire hazards.* Stay informed about the local weather conditions and wildfire forecasts.* Share news about wildfires and safety measures with others to help spread awareness.
In the face of the ongoing climate crisis, the importance of eco-science and environmental-science in weather forecasting and crime-and-justice investigations has never been more apparent.
![Rain anticipated, with showers intermittently throughout the following days. [Photo included]](/en/img/20250612113131_image-description-beach-sunset-landscape-with-palm-trees-and-a-clear-sky.jpeg?width=1280&crop=4-3&quality=75)
