Tenerife hit by worst fire in 40 years

Tenerife continues to grapple with devastating consequences of erupting forest fires Released on the evening of August 15th, A fire broke out on Mount Arafur, making it the worst fire to hit the island in the past 40 years. As the Canary Islands’ president explained Thursday, these are “the most challenging fires that Tenerife (and the Canary Islands) have faced in the past forty years”.

Despite the tireless work of all forces, including fighting fires from the air and emergency teams on the ground, some 4,000 hectares were still destroyed. To give an idea of ​​the extent of the fire, on Thursday night alone, 226 soldiers intervened in the firefighting installation, supported by 100 safety installation personnel and 40 logistics personnel. Likewise, 17 air assets were integrated earlier Friday, including coordination resources and 260 ground combatants.

this weather conditions get complicated Much of it is the job of emergency response teams.

According to the Canary Islands government, the fires have affected An area of ​​about 4,000 hectares and a circumference of more than 40 kilometers Covering the municipalities of Arafo, Candelaria, El Rosario, La Orotava, Santa Ursula, La Victoria, El Sauzal and Tacoronte, affecting forest groups (pine forests), mainly Focused on La Esperanza hill and forest canopy.

Cities worst hit by fires

By municipality, at least 1,134 hectares are affected in Candelaria, 1,089 in Arafo; 12 in El Rosario 505, La Orotava 270, Santa Úrsula 160, La Victoria 60, El Sauzal 39 and Tacoronte.

With regard to displaced persons, it was decided Thursday night to maintain the restraining order in downtown El Rosario La Esperanza, as well as at the Las Laises Immigrant Emergency Center; the upper area of ​​Vila Street in Santa Ursula was also evacuated .

All in all, it has been necessary More than 3,000 people were evacuated According to the census, a decision has been made to confine another 3,820 people to the La Esperanza core area of ​​El Rosario. To serve the displaced, shelters were set up in El Rosario, La Orotava, Candelaria, El Sauzal and La Matanza, with more than a hundred neighbors and some pets.

advice before smoking

Given the magnitude of the disaster and its impact on health, the Government of the Canary Islands reminds the public: Guimar, Arafo, Candelaria and El Rosario Different advice before a fire.

Regional authorities said the smoke was a mixture of gases and small particles emitted when plants and other materials were burned. Here, sensitive/at-risk groups are considered to be people with: Pre-existing respiratory or heart diseases 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.

As far as they are concerned, Possible symptoms include a cough, irritation of the eyes, nose or throat;

Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, palpitations, fatigue; worsening symptoms in people with previous respiratory or heart problems.

However, it is recommended avoid staying abroad engage in strenuous or prolonged physical activity; keep doors and windows closed, If you have an air conditioner, put it on recirculation mode and clean the filter; Recommended abroad Avoid Respiratory Problems with FFP2 Masks And protect the eyes as much as possible, washing if necessary.