On 1 June, the Government of the Canary Islands issued a forest fire pre-alert due to soaring temperatures, ongoing drought, and the arrival of Saharan dust (calima), affecting Tenerife, El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, and Gran Canaria.
According to maps released by Aemet, Spain’s national meteorological agency, the northern regions of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura face the highest risk of fires. On 4 June, the northern tips of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura were under ‘extreme’ red warnings for wildfires, indicating the highest level of risk.
Officials report an alarming drop in rainfall, a surge in temperatures, and the onset of climate, a dry, dusty wind from the Sahara Desert. The arrival of summer, combined with the end of the typical rainy period, has led the Canary Islands to enter a period of medium to high forest fire risk.
📢El Gobierno de Canarias declara la situación de #PrealertaRiesgoIF en las islas occidentales y #GranCanaria
— 112 Canarias (@112canarias) June 1, 2025
🗓️01/06
🕖07:00 horas
Más información y consejos ⬇️https://t.co/dD0lRz5H2A pic.twitter.com/PV7ZfqjaTJ
According to the authorities, more than 2,000 firefighters are prepared to address potential fires across the western islands and Grand Canaria. The islands’ dense forests, vital for biodiversity and carbon sequestration, are particularly vulnerable.
This warning follows a devastating precedent. In 2023, Tenerife was ravaged by its most severe wildfires in four decades, which led to the evacuation of more than 12,000 residents from the island. The fires consumed thousands of hectares of land and affected multiple towns, leaving thick smoke to rise above the forest areas. Investigations revealed that the wildfire was started intentionally, likely by arsonists.
Thousands of people have been evacuated after an out-of-control wildfire broke out on Tenerife.
— Sky News (@SkyNews) August 17, 2023
Local officials said it was 'probably the most complicated blaze' on the Canary Islands in the last 40 years 👇 pic.twitter.com/RkBUXPgilS
Now, to mitigate risks, the authorities are urging visitors and residents to avoid disposing of cigarette butts on the ground and to refrain from using fireworks near forests and open field areas. Officials also advise immediate action in case of fire: call 112, follow official instructions, and prioritize safety during evacuations. Evacuees should turn off gas and electricity, pack essentials like documents and medications, and proceed to designated safe zones as directed by security officers.
🚨 Desde el día 1 de junio estamos en Situación de prealerta por incendios forestales en Canarias. Por ello paramos las actividades selvícolas para aumentar la frecuencia de prácticas y ejercicios centrados en emergencias.
— EIRIF (@EIRIFGobCan) June 4, 2025
🚁Por ejemplo la semana pasada realizamos un… pic.twitter.com/6Vntrw073p
For those trapped by advancing flames, authorities recommend seeking shelter indoors. Close all doors and windows, seal gaps with wet towels, and fill sinks and bathtubs with water to create a barrier against smoke and heat. Dousing doors and windows with water can further delay fire. The government emphasizes collective responsibility to protect the Canary Islands’ fragile ecosystems, urging caution in the coming weeks.
🗓️Martes 3 de junio
— Protección Civil (@proteccioncivil) June 3, 2025
➡️Situación del riesgo de incendios forestales #IIFF
🚫🔥No enciendas hogueras en el monte
✅Precaución‼️
ℹ️Aquí puedes consultar el mapa actualizado👉https://t.co/y8MryB3tzS @interiorgob pic.twitter.com/QwDCTpXlRE
As climate change exacerbates extreme weather, these measures are critical to safeguarding lives, property, and the environment.
The UK Foreign Office advises travellers: “Be aware of your environment when visiting or driving through woodland areas.”
