Canary Islands declare ‘poor’ air quality in fire-affected cities

The government of the Canary Islands has declared the air quality in areas affected by the forest fires in Tenerife due to the emission of smoke consisting of a mixture of gases and small particles as vegetation and other materials burn. According to the regional administration, the notice applies to the northern slopes of the municipalities of Los Realejos, El Sauzal, La Matanza de Acentejo, La Victoria de Acentejo, Santa Úrsula, La Orotava, Puerto de la Cruz, Los Realejos, Buenavista del Norte, Los Realejos, Buenavista del Norte Silos, Garachico, Icod de los Vinos, La Guancha, San Juan de la Rambla. The southern slopes of the municipalities of Arafo, Candelaria, Guimar, Fasnia and Ariko have also been activated. Residents of the municipalities of Guimar, Arafo, Candelaria and El Rosario have been reminded by the government of different advisories regarding the forest fire smoke events that have affected Tenerife since the night of 15 August. The regional administration said in a statement that the smoke was made up of a mixture of gases and small particles emitted by burning plants and other materials. Here, sensitive/at-risk groups are considered people with pre-existing respiratory or heart conditions, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema; children, pregnant women, and the elderly; and people who engage in vigorous physical activity; and people with reduced mobility . On the other hand, possible symptoms are coughing, irritation of the eyes, nose or throat; shortness of breath, chest discomfort, palpitations, fatigue; worsening symptoms in people with pre-existing respiratory or heart problems. However, it is recommended to avoid staying outside and engaging in strenuous or prolonged physical activity; close doors and windows, and if you have air conditioning, put it on recirculation mode and clean the filter; outside, it is recommended to use an FFP2 mask to avoid respiratory problems, and Protect eyes as much as possible and wash as necessary.