The traditional San Juan night is approaching, and with it, increased surveillance over bonfires in Gran Canaria. Despite the deep-rooted custom, particularly along the coast, various town halls have implemented regulations to prevent fires, protect the coastline, and ensure public safety.
Lighting fires on beaches, bathing areas, or undesignated locations can lead to significant financial penalties. Regulations vary by municipality, but fines can reach up to 3,000 euros.
In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, making fires, barbecues, or similar activities on beaches, promenades, and adjacent squares is expressly forbidden. Minor infractions are fined up to 750 euros, serious ones up to 1,500, and very serious ones up to 3,000 euros, in addition to the potential obligation to repair damages. The Coastal Law also imposes sanctions for unauthorized occupation of the maritime-terrestrial public domain.
Telde requires prior notification and authorization for bonfires, which can only be lit between 5:00 PM on June 23rd and 4:00 AM on June 25th. These must not exceed four meters in height, must have a six-meter safety perimeter, and be located more than 50 meters from buildings, vehicles, or power lines. Bonfires are prohibited on beaches, in protected natural areas, and the burning of polluting materials. The City Council warns that the costs of removing illegal bonfires may be charged to those responsible.
In Santa María de Guía, bonfires are permitted only on urban land or agricultural land in use, at a minimum distance of 15 meters from constructions and 100 meters from each other. The authorized hours are from 8:00 PM on the 23rd to 2:00 AM on the 24th of June.
Agüimes prohibits bonfires on beaches, bathing areas, public roads, and protected natural areas, allowing them only on urban land or agricultural land with prior application and compliance with safety measures. The Local Police will fine illegal bonfires.
The Ingenio City Council reminds the public of the prohibition of lighting bonfires on beaches and municipal bathing areas, and requires compliance with safety measures in urban areas, such as locating them in clear spaces and maintaining distance from wooded areas.
Mogán prohibits bonfires and campfires throughout the municipality during the San Juan and San Pedro festivities, especially on beaches, parks, gardens, and areas near homes or crops. The only exception will be the institutional bonfire organized by the City Council near Playa de Mogán.
