Warning to UK tourists as Canary Islands placed under ‘state of alert’

British tourists holidaying in the Canary Islands are warned of wildfires as authorities issue a ‘state of alert’. It comes as the western islands experience soaring temperatures this week.

Those visiting high altitude areas and mountain summits are urged to take particular care as these are under the alert. According to local news site Europapress.es “all the western islands” are under a “state of alert for fires”.

This includes Tenerife, La Gomera, El Hierro, La Palma and Gran Canaria. It said that the alert is specifically for “high areas and summits”.

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People are urged to only camp inside authorised areas and follow local advice when visiting the mountains. Anyone who sees a wildfire should report it immediately to 112.

In a post on X, The Canary Islands government department of Security and Emergencies said: “Remember risk alert in Western Islands and Gran Canaria. Never camp outside the authorised areas. In the mountains, respect the limitations established by town councils and councils. Don’t forget it. At the first sign of fire, call 112.”

Spain’s national weather agency Aemet has issued yellow warnings for high temperatures for the islands of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, El Hierro and La Gomera. Areas of Gran Canaria could see the mercury exceed 37C, while the other western islands will experience temperatures in the mid 30s.

Along with high temperatures strong winds are expected, particularly in coastal areas. For Tuesday yellow warnings of ‘strong gusts’ of up to 50-70km/h are in place for Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Palma El Hierro and La Gomera.

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