Spain’s Canary Islands Placed On High Alert As Ferocious Wildfire Threat Escalates, British Tourists Urged To Take Urgent Precautions Amid Extreme Heatwave And Brutal Winds

Published on July 29, 2025

Spain’s Canary Islands have been placed on high alert due to an escalating wildfire threat, with authorities warning both locals and tourists to exercise extreme caution. The region is currently facing a dangerous combination of scorching temperatures, reaching up to 37°C, and relentless, dry winds exceeding 30 km/h. These harsh weather conditions have created the perfect environment for wildfires to spread rapidly, prompting a ban on various outdoor activities and an urgent call for heightened vigilance. British tourists, in particular, are being advised to take immediate precautions to ensure their safety during this perilous period.

A ‘high alert’ has been declared across five major locations in the Canary Islands, including Tenerife, as officials in Spain raise alarms over the escalating wildfire risk. With extreme weather conditions intensifying the threat, both locals and visitors are now barred from engaging in several usual activities, as authorities work to mitigate the growing danger of fires across the archipelago.

The Canary Islands, a popular vacation destination located off the northwestern coast of Africa, are currently experiencing severe weather conditions. A scorching heatwave, combined with dry, gusty winds, has created a dangerous environment that authorities warn could lead to the rapid spread of wildfires. High temperatures are expected to reach a blistering 34°C in some areas over the next few days, with Gran Canaria bracing for even higher temperatures of up to 37°C. Alongside the heat, strong winds gusting at speeds exceeding 30 km/h are expected to sweep across the islands, further exacerbating the risk of fire.

As of Monday, July 28, at 8am, level one prevention measures were activated in Tenerife. Wildfire alerts were also extended to other regions, including El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, and Gran Canaria. Fortunately, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura have not yet been affected by the alert, but the situation remains fluid, and conditions could change rapidly depending on how the weather evolves.

In response to the escalating fire risk, the Canary Islands Government has put in place the INFOCA wildfire emergency plan. This includes strict regulations to prevent activities that could spark a fire. The use of BBQs and open flames is now forbidden in recreational and outdoor areas, including campsites and public spaces in the mountains. Smoking is also prohibited in forested areas, hiking trails, and any zones that are typically frequented by the public in high-risk regions. These measures are aimed at limiting human-induced fires, which are believed to be a primary factor in the escalation of wildfire events.

In addition to these restrictions, the level one alert also bans tools that generate sparks, such as chainsaws and strimmers. Fireworks are also prohibited in or near forested zones to reduce the risk of ignition. Authorities are advising residents and visitors to avoid entering forested areas for the duration of the alert, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in these high-risk areas.

The alert comes on the heels of a recent wildfire outbreak in La Palma, one of the Canary Islands, which is thought to have been sparked by human activity. While the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, authorities are urging the public to remain on high alert and to report any signs of smoke or fire immediately by dialing emergency services at 112.

The Canary Islands have experienced significant wildfire incidents in the past, with the most notable being the fires that ravaged Tenerife in 2023. That year, more than 15,000 hectares of land were scorched, and around 12,000 people were forced to evacuate. The fire, which was once again attributed to arson, highlighted how quickly fires can spread across the islands, particularly during the dry summer months when vegetation is especially vulnerable to ignition. The rapid spread of fires in the region has led to concerns over the islands’ ability to manage wildfire risks in the future, given the increasing frequency and intensity of such events.

The current high alert in the Canary Islands also coincides with a broader trend of escalating wildfires across Europe. In neighboring Turkey, wildfires have claimed lives and caused widespread devastation. More than 1,500 people were recently evacuated as fires continued to ravage the country’s southern and western regions. In one of the hardest-hit areas, a firefighter tragically lost their life while attempting to control a blaze in Bursa, the fourth-largest city in Turkey. Over 7,000 acres of land were consumed by flames in the region, underscoring the severity of the fire threat in the Mediterranean basin.

Similarly, wildfires have wreaked havoc in Greece, with two major islands and several villages near Athens experiencing extensive damage. Thousands of people were forced to flee their homes, and the fire destroyed at least two houses. The devastation has caused widespread concern, as fire seasons across Europe have grown increasingly intense, largely due to the combined effects of climate change and extreme weather conditions.

These recent wildfires in both Turkey and Greece are stark reminders of how vulnerable many Mediterranean regions are to the dangers posed by extreme weather events. As the summer months continue, authorities across Europe remain on high alert, urging residents and tourists to follow safety protocols to mitigate the risk of further disasters.

The Canary Islands are currently facing one of the most dangerous wildfire seasons in recent memory, with a combination of high temperatures, dry conditions, and strong winds creating the perfect conditions for fires to spread rapidly. The high alert and prevention measures are designed to keep both locals and tourists safe, but the situation remains tense. As temperatures continue to rise and winds pick up, residents and visitors alike are urged to stay informed, exercise extreme caution, and report any signs of fire immediately. With wildfires becoming an increasing concern in many parts of Europe, it is clear that vigilance and proactive measures will be key in preventing further devastation.