The city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria faces an intense heat episode this week, with temperatures potentially reaching 40 degrees Celsius in some areas. In response, the City Council has activated the Municipal Emergency Plan (PEMULPA) and issued alerts for forest fire risk and maximum temperatures.
The forest fire alert will be in effect for altitudes above 500 meters starting Monday afternoon, June 29, while the high temperature alert will begin on Tuesday, June 30, at 11:00 AM, following the guidelines of the General Directorate of Security and Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands.
Maximum temperatures are generally expected to reach 35 degrees Celsius, possibly exceeding 37 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. In inland areas facing south and west, as well as in southeastern coastal sectors, temperatures could sporadically hit 40 degrees Celsius.
The risk of fire spread is exacerbated by relative humidity below 30% and a thermal inversion that may locally descend below 300 meters. The fire alert will remain active until Thursday, and the high temperature alert is expected to gradually improve from Wednesday.
The City Council advises citizens to stay in cool places, keep homes closed during the hottest hours, wear light clothing, protect themselves from the sun, stay hydrated, and reduce physical activity. Special emphasis is placed on not leaving children, the elderly, or animals in closed vehicles, and paying attention to vulnerable individuals living alone.
Furthermore, the prohibition of discarding cigarette butts, matches, lighters, or any debris that could start a fire is reiterated, as is lighting fires in the countryside, except in designated recreational areas. In case of detecting a fire outbreak, immediate notification to 112 is recommended.
