Summer forest-fire warning for holiday hotspot
A pre-alert warning has been issued for the Canary Islands due to the increased risk of forest fires during the summer.
The islands on pre-alert include El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria, with measures in place until further notice.
The Canary Islands' Mediterranean climate and winds from the Sahara desert contribute to a medium to high risk of forest fires.
More than 2,000 firefighters are on standby to tackle any fires in the western islands and Gran Canaria.
In 2023, Tenerife experienced its worst wildfires in 40 years, leading to the evacuation of over 12,000 people; the government urges precautions to prevent fires, such as avoiding throwing cigarette butts and fireworks near forests.
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