This exercise, coordinated by the Ministry of Territorial Policy, Territorial Cohesion and Water, primarily aims to test the protocols of the Special Civil Protection and Emergency Response Plan for Forest Fires of the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands (INFOCA). It will simulate a level 2 fire, a situation where management responsibilities transfer from the island corporation to the regional administration.
The initiative seeks to improve communication and collaboration among the various administrations involved, thereby ensuring effective citizen protection during critical situations. The drill, organized through the General Directorate of Emergencies, will commence in a ravine in the El Pagador area on Wednesday, April 29, starting at 09:30 AM.
“"This drill allows us to verify that the protocols work and that administrations respond in a coordinated manner to a real emergency, especially in a level 2 scenario as posed by INFOCA."
Furthermore, the head of Emergencies emphasized that the drill represents a valuable opportunity to involve the population. He stressed that an informed and prepared citizenry is the most effective tool against forest fires, and that it is essential for residents of the municipality to know how to act, prevent risks, and collaborate with emergency services, as territorial protection is a shared responsibility.
The training activities preceding the drill will begin on the afternoon of Monday, April 27, at the Casa de la Cultura, with self-protection talks given by technical staff from the general directorate, the Security and Emergency Coordination Center (CECOES) 112, the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, and the municipal council. These sessions will focus on forest fire behavior and recommended actions.
On Tuesday, April 28, an exhibition of regional, island, local, and state emergency resources will be set up in Pico Lomito Park, which will be visited by students from various educational levels in the municipality. On Wednesday, April 29, the day of the drill, the remaining students will participate in workshops on forest fire prevention and action.
