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AREAS OF LANZAROTE AND FUERTEVENTURA HAVE BEEN PLACED UNDER 'EXTREME RISK' OF FOREST FIRES 13:27, 03 Jun 2025 Maps show the areas of the Canary Islands which are most at risk of
forest fires after the government declared a ‘state of pre-alert’ earlier this week. Tenerife, El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera and Gran Canaria are all covered by the pre-alert, which came
into force from 7am on Sunday June 1. Northern areas of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are most at risk for fires, according to maps shared by Aemet, Spain’s national meteorological agency. The
northern tip of Lanarote and Fuerteventura are under ‘extreme’ red warnings for wild fires, while the northern half of Fuerteventura is under a ‘very high’ amber alert for June 4, which
seems to be the height of the risk. The remainder of the two islands are covered by yellow ‘high’ warnings. Areas along Tenerife’s south coast are also under ‘very high’ amber alerts.
According to Aemet, the risk lowers on Thursday, June 5, with all extreme alerts removed, although parts of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote do still remain under amber (very high) alert. Article
continues below By Friday, June 6, the fire risk remains ‘low’ for the majority of the islands, although some parts of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote have areas under a ‘high’ alert. The state
of pre-alert was declared due to recent hot weather causing tinder-dry conditions, combined with a lack of rainfall and the arrival of calima - a dry, dusty wind from the Sahara. Both
residents and tourists are urged to take precautions and avoid anything which could spark fires. Any sign of smoke should be reported to the authorities immediately. In its travel advice for
Spain, the UK Foreign Office says: “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.” UK tourists are urged to check Aemet for the latest wildfire risks. The Foreign Office added: “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. Article continues below "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). 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.” FOR MORE OF TODAY'S TOP STORIES, CLICK HERE.