The exercise, coordinated by the island institution, focused on citizen self-protection, evacuation routes, and lockdown zones. This initiative is part of the Cabildo's regular practices in municipalities at risk of interface fires, areas where forest land and residential zones converge, increasing vulnerability.
Participants included the Forest Firefighters from the Environment Department, a PRESA unit, environmental agents, the Gáldar Civil Protection Group, municipal resources, and local residents. The intervention of helicopters based in Artenara was considered, subject to weather conditions and authorization.
A key objective was to inform residents about risk reduction measures for their properties, such as maintaining a 15-meter vegetation-free buffer around homes. The prohibition of using spark-generating machinery, like grinders or brush cutters, and the ban on agricultural burns during summer, until September 30th, were reiterated.
The choice of Caideros was due to its high interface fire risk classification, particularly because of reed beds near homes, which complicate both evacuation and confinement.
The event was preventive and informative, not focused on extinction. Gáldar Civil Protection emphasized the importance of residents knowing the environment and emergency protocols beforehand, allowing them to ask questions about nearby vegetation, plot cleaning, and emergency procedures.
The Cabildo highlighted the crucial role of local Civil Protection groups due to their knowledge of the territory. The institution recalled the delivery of 21 vehicles equipped for firefighting and other emergencies in 2025.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve coordination among administrations, emergency services, and the public in municipalities at risk of interface fires in Gran Canaria. The aim is to enhance preparedness for potential risk situations.
Citizen self-protection is essential. Recommendations on environmental cleaning, machinery use, and agricultural burns are part of the Gran Canaria Mosaico program, which offers specific guidelines to reduce the vulnerability of rural homes.
