The 'fire risk traffic light' of www.grancanariamosaico.com provides real-time information on the prevention measures that must be taken into account at this time of year
July arrives and the island of Gran Canaria enters a period of high risk of forest fires until October, so the risk level changes to orange and a series of measures are put into effect that must be taken into account and can be consulted on the website www.grancanariamosaico.com.
The Cabildo of Gran Canaria reminds that as of this Monday, July 1, only the use of built-in barbecues is allowed in recreational areas, as long as an alert for fire risk is not decreed. As they are large places where brush clearing and tree pruning are carried out daily, they are considered safe areas. That is why you can make a fire in the built-in barbecues, even in summer.
The use of machinery that generates sparks, one of the biggest causes of fire when not following proper precautions, is not prohibited at this time of year but it does have conditions, as well as carbonation and the use of fire in beekeeping.
Regarding agricultural burning, necessary throughout the year to reduce excess forest fuel from pruning and other work on the farms, the authorizations are suspended until October, as are the prescribed burning that is usually carried out during the rest of the year by the Council.
On the other hand, traffic on forest trails and tracks in general is permitted, unless otherwise indicated in the event that an alert is decreed due to the risk of forest fire, and access to Tamadaba is also open at this time of year, as well as the use of its recreational area and camping area.
It is also remembered that bonfires in the mountains are totally prohibited, throughout the year and under any circumstances.
Preventing large forest fires is a shared responsibility. The Cabildo of Gran Canaria carries out prevention actions throughout the year and has effective and professional extinction services, but in the face of large forest fires, nothing is enough. The participation of the entire society is essential to prevent them to the extent possible.
Large forest fires have ceased to be exceptional in Gran Canaria and have become relatively common. In the last twenty years, eight large forest fires have seriously affected the island, its forests and crops, its houses and property, with more than 32.000 hectares affected.
The main thing at this time of year is therefore to take all possible precautions, especially with agricultural burning and the use of machinery but, in general, with any activity that requires the use of fire or generates sparks. Most fires are caused by human activities and, despite what many people may think, they happen more due to negligence than due to intentional acts by arsonists or arsonists.
