Latest news with #GeneralDirectorateofEmergencies
Daily Mirror
27-06-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Heatwave and fire risk prompts double 'danger' alert on popular holiday islands
As temperatures are predicted to soar over the next few days, an 'alert situation' in the Canary Islands has been declared, with forest fires one of two high-risk factors A double danger alert has been issued in the Canary Islands with extreme temperatures expected to return this weekend. The warning affects four of the islands, with weather experts predicting the mercury will hit 37C within days. The General Directorate of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands has also declared an alert situation on the island of Gran Canaria due to two high-risk factors. It covers the extreme danger of forest fires, as well as the impact of an episode of high temperatures. Both decisions are based on the application of the INFOCA and PEFMA plans, activated by the forecast of the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) and other specialised sources. The first alert responds to the Special Civil Protection and Emergency Response Plan for Forest Fires (INFOCA). It will come into force from 8am on Saturday June 28, in areas located above 400 metres of altitude in Gran Canaria. The second alert has been decreed under the Canary Islands' Specific Emergency Plan for Risks of Adverse Weather Phenomena (PEFMA). In this case, it is an alert for extreme maximum temperatures, which especially affects the summit and the east, south and west slopes of Gran Canaria, where between 34C and 37C is expected. In the rest of the Canary Islands, the pre-alert situation is declared, with the exception of La Palma and the north of Tenerife below 700 metres, which are outside the warning for now. The areas most exposed to this heat episode: North of Gran Canaria - temperatures between 26C and 32C El Hierro, La Gomera, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and eastern, southern and western slopes of Tenerife - maximums of 30C to 34C Summit and south of Gran Canaria - between 34C and 37C In the face of this double alert, authorities insist on maximum caution. Outdoor activities in the middle of the day are discouraged and agricultural burning, barbecues and the use of machinery that can generate sparks in risk areas are prohibited. In addition, it is recommended to hydrate frequently, stay in cool places, avoid prolonged sun exposure and be attentive to updates from official emergency services. The situation will be re-evaluated depending on how the episode evolves over the weekend, but from this Friday, Gran Canaria enters the phase of maximum surveillance.
Daily Mirror
09-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
'Pre-alert' activated for Brit tourists heading to these 4 Canary Islands
A cluster of popular Canary Islands have been put under an emergency 'pre-alert' from the government - resulting in British tourists being told to follow a series of strict rules UK holidaymakers jetting off to the Canary Islands must follow strict advice, following an emergency warning from the government. Tourists and locals have both been warned that select islands across the archipelago are currently at 'high risk' of wildfires. The 'pre-alert' - which came into effect on Sunday, June 1 - comes as hot, dry winds from the Sahara travel over to the holiday hotspots months combined with a sudden drop in rainfall. This meteorological phenomenon, known as Calima, often results in a thick layer of dust covering the Canaries - drastically reducing visibility and air quality. According to reports, it can also increase the risk of wildfires due to drying out vegetation and increasing the 'flammability of materials'. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro are all covered by the warning. "Given the current climatic, meteorological, and environmental circumstances, having passed the usual period of precipitation in the Canary Islands, it is estimated that the conditions are in place to declare a Pre-Alert Situation due to this being a period of medium to high risk of forest fires," the Canary Island's government announced. Tourists are now being urged to follow 'self-protection' advice provided by the General Directorate of Emergencies. This includes many obvious but effective recommendations such as: Do not throw lit cigarette butts or matches, either while walking or out of a car window. Do not launch rockets, firecrackers, fireworks, or other fire-producing devices in dangerous areas, even in open fields, agricultural land, or, especially, in residential areas surrounded by forests. Never leave trash or debris in the forest. Use appropriate collection services and containers. Remove branches that touch the facade of your house/ apartment. Have basic firefighting tools (hoses, axes) and some water supplies ready. While no wildfires have yet to break out across the four islands since the warning, previous incidents have wreaked havoc on the archipelago. In 2023, forest fires in Tenerife ripped through more than 15,000 hectares of land and resulted in 12,000 people being forced to evacuate. This particular blaze was later blamed on arsonists - but demonstrates how quickly fires on the islands can spread. If you're ever caught in a wildfire while in the Canary Islands, you should call 112 and follow the instructions of the authorities. Always follow recommended evacuation routes, avoiding shortcuts, and move away from the direction of the wind if possible. The General Directorate of Emergencies advises tourists caught in a fire to 'stay calm' and follow the accommodation's protocol when evacuating. "In open country, move away from the wind and, if possible, enter an already burned area," they said. "Wet a handkerchief and cover your face to avoid the smoke. Do not take shelter in wells or caves. Near the sea, go near the water and, if necessary, go inside. If you are in the car, take a break in a sheltered place, close the doors and windows, and turn off the car's ventilation. Turn on your headlights so you can be found in the smoke."
Wales Online
06-06-2025
- Wales Online
The popular British holiday destination where a wildfire warning has been issued
The popular British holiday destination where a wildfire warning has been issued Tourists have been advised to heighten their vigilance, with the alert in place until further notice Playa de las Americas, situated on the south coast of Tenerife (Image: Getty Images ) A wildfire warning has been issued at a holiday destination popular with British tourists. Spanish authorities have issued a pre-alert for the Canary Islands. Issued by the General Directorate of Emergencies, the warning extends to Tenerife, Grand Canaria, La Palma, La Gomera and EI Heirro. It followers the island's wet season, with dry and hot winds starting to blow in from the Sahara Desert. Authorities have urged residents and tourists to heighten their vigilance, with the alert in place until further notice. It is not uncommon for wildfires to happen during the summer months in both Spain and Portugal. Eight years ago, there were hundreds of large fires in the two countries. It saw 45 people killed in Portugal and four in Spain. And two years ago, there was an evacuation of 12,000 people from Tenerife as a wildfire became 'out of control'. The UK Government has offered the advice to travellers. Article continues below Its website reads: "Wildfires happen often in Spain, including on the islands, during the summer months. "Be aware of your environment when visiting or driving through woodland areas. "For information on wildfire risk visit the Spanish Meteorological Office (AEMET). "Causing a wildfire is a criminal offence in Spain, even if unintentional. "Make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished, do not light barbecues and do not leave empty bottles behind. "You can be heavily fined for not following the rules against lighting outdoor barbecues in forest areas. "Make sure you know the rules if considering a barbeque. For information on what to do in the event of a wildfire, visit Civil Protection (website in Spanish). It adds: "Immediately report any fire you see to the emergency services on 112. In the case of wildfires, the situation can change quickly, so you should stay up to date with official advice." Article continues below
Euronews
06-06-2025
- Euronews
Norway introduces tourist tax to tackle overtourism surge
Norway is set to become the latest European destination to introduce a tourist tax to combat concerns about rising visitor numbers. Lawmakers approved the new levy on Thursday, which allows municipalities to introduce a 3 per cent tax on overnight stays in 'areas particularly affected by tourism'. The law allows local authorities to apply the tax at their own discretion, and it will be added to accommodation charges. Authorities will also be allowed to adjust the percentage based on the season. The funds raised by the tax will be used exclusively to improve tourism infrastructure projects that benefit both visitors and local people. Municipalities will have to demonstrate that their facilities are inadequate and have their plans approved by the government to spend the funds. Cecilie Myrseth, Norway's minister of trade and industry, said on social media that her government had reached a 'historic agreement' to introduce a tourism tax that was 'in line with what they have in the rest of Europe'. The country is the latest in a string of European nations introducing or increasing visitor levies to tackle the growing problem of overtourism. A tax may also be applied to cruise ships that make stops in the country, particularly in areas that are most affected by overtourism. As tourists increasingly choose cooler, northern European destinations to get away from the heat, Norway has experienced a boom in visitor numbers. Last year, a record-breaking 38.6 million people booked accommodation in the country. That includes more than 12 million overnight stays by foreign tourists - a 4.2 per cent increase from 2023. Some previously quiet destinations have been overwhelmed, like the Lofoten islands, where eye-catching images of hiking trails posted on social media have led to an influx of visitors. With a population of 24,500 people distributed across several small towns and villages, keeping up with the cost of all these new visitors has been hard. A recent survey by industry organisation Norwegian Tourism Partners found that 77 per cent of people in Tromsø, in northern Norway above the Arctic Circle, thought there were too many tourists there. Visitors have been drawn by the Northern Lights, wildlife excursions, Sami cultural experiences and what the city itself has to offer. The increase in tourism has caused tension with local residents across Norway as infrastructure has struggled to keep up with the boom. Facilities like public toilets and car parks have been overwhelmed in popular destinations. Some residents have even reported cases of people using their back gardens as toilets, and bemoaned the increased traffic clogging up Norway's roads. As millions of holidaymakers prepare to head to the Canary Islands this summer, authorities have issued a wildfire pre-alert across the archipelago. The warning, announced by the General Directorate of Emergencies on Sunday, applies to tourist hotspots El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife and Gran Canaria. It comes as the islands enter a high-risk fire period following the wet season, as hot, dry winds known as the 'calima' begin blowing in from the Sahara Desert. The risk of wildfire is nothing new for the Canary Islands. The volcanic terrain, Mediterranean climate and fire-adapted vegetation - plants that have evolved to thrive in fire-prone environments - make them susceptible to summer blazes, and scientists say wildfires are part of the archipelago's ecological rhythm. Some of the worst occurred in 2023, when forest fires ravaged Tenerife, destroying more than 15,000 hectares of land and forcing 12,000 people to evacuate. The blaze was later found to have been started by arsonists. This year, officials are urging tourists and locals alike to take extreme caution, warning against launching fireworks near forests and discarding cigarettes on dry ground. But even as the fire warnings roll in, the Canaries' appeal shows no signs of slowing down. In 2024, the islands welcomed nearly 18 million tourists, including a record-breaking 15.5 million international arrivals. Among them, British travellers led the way, recording 6.3 million visits – up 500,000 from 2023. While the Canary Islands continue to attract record numbers of tourists, residents are increasingly voicing concerns about overtourism. In April 2024, tens of thousands of islanders participated in protests, holding signs that read 'the Canary Islands have a limit' while rallying against rising housing costs, environmental damage and the strain on public services. Over Easter this year, about 80,000 hospitality workers in Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro walked out in a dispute with unions over pay. The surge in short-term rentals has been especially contentious. Locals have reported getting priced out of their neighbourhoods as properties are converted into holiday lets, the cost of living soars and wages stagnate. Despite these concerns, tourism remains a significant part of the Canary Islands' economy, accounting for approximately 35 per cent of its GDP. After welcoming seven million tourists in 2024, Tenerife remains the most visited island. Its year-round sunshine and wide beaches keep it a firm favourite among families, especially during the UK's summer school break and throughout the winter months. As the peak summer season picks up, local tourism boards have made no indication that the fire pre-alerts will disrupt travel plans. But authorities remain focused on prevention this year. More than 2,000 firefighters are on standby. Meanwhile, the government has distributed detailed safety advice, urging people to prepare a go-bag, stay informed and follow emergency evacuation or shelter-in-place instructions if fires erupt.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Yahoo
Wildfire warnings issued in the Canary Islands as millions prepare to holiday there
As millions of holidaymakers prepare to head to the Canary Islands this summer, authorities have issued a wildfire pre-alert across the archipelago. The warning, announced by the General Directorate of Emergencies on Sunday, applies to tourist hotspots El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife and Gran Canaria. It comes as the islands enter a high-risk fire period following the wet season, as hot, dry winds known as the 'calima' begin blowing in from the Sahara Desert. The risk of wildfire is nothing new for the Canary Islands. The volcanic terrain, Mediterranean climate and fire-adapted vegetation - plants that have evolved to thrive in fire-prone environments - make them susceptible to summer blazes, and scientists say wildfires are part of the archipelago's ecological rhythm. Some of the worst occurred in 2023, when forest fires ravaged Tenerife, destroying more than 15,000 hectares of land and forcing 12,000 people to evacuate. The blaze was later found to have been started by arsonists. This year, officials are urging tourists and locals alike to take extreme caution, warning against launching fireworks near forests and discarding cigarettes on dry ground. Related You'll need to book via app to visit these spectacular beaches in Sardinia this summer Greece boosts firefighter and drone numbers to tackle growing risk of wildfires But even as the fire warnings roll in, the Canaries' appeal shows no signs of slowing down. In 2024, the islands welcomed nearly 18 million tourists, including a record-breaking 15.5 million international arrivals. Among them, British travellers led the way, recording 6.3 million visits – up 500,000 from 2023. While the Canary Islands continue to attract record numbers of tourists, residents are increasingly voicing concerns about overtourism. In April 2024, tens of thousands of islanders participated in protests, holding signs that read 'the Canary Islands have a limit' while rallying against rising housing costs, environmental damage and the strain on public services. Over Easter this year, about 80,000 hospitality workers in Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro walked out in a dispute with unions over pay. The surge in short-term rentals has been especially contentious. Locals have reported getting priced out of their neighbourhoods as properties are converted into holiday lets, the cost of living soars and wages stagnate. Despite these concerns, tourism remains a significant part of the Canary Islands' economy, accounting for approximately 35 per cent of its GDP. After welcoming seven million tourists in 2024, Tenerife remains the most visited island. Its year-round sunshine and wide beaches keep it a firm favourite among families, especially during the UK's summer school break and throughout the winter months. Related Svalbard, Chios, El Hierro: How these European islands have successfully avoided overtourism Is it safe to travel to Lanzarote? Latest advice after Storm Olivier sweeps through Canary Islands As the peak summer season picks up, local tourism boards have made no indication that the fire pre-alerts will disrupt travel plans. But authorities remain focused on prevention this year. More than 2,000 firefighters are on standby. Meanwhile, the government has distributed detailed safety advice, urging people to prepare a go-bag, stay informed and follow emergency evacuation or shelter-in-place instructions if fires erupt.
