The initiative, running from July 1st to September 30th, aims to prevent forest fires during the summer season and in anticipation of heatwaves. The announcement was made by the Chief of Staff of the Canary Islands Command of the Army, Luis Villanueva Vals, alongside the president of the Cabildo of Tenerife, Rosa Dávila, and the Minister of Natural Environment and Emergencies, Blanca Pérez.
The mission, a result of an agreement between the Ministry of Defence and the Cabildo of Tenerife, will mobilize a total of 920 patrols, ensuring 24-hour coverage for areas surrounding protected natural spaces. It will be complemented by Operation Centinela, focused on deterring risk-inducing activities, in coordination with forest units and security forces.
Luis Villanueva highlighted that the Army complements the work of the forest brigades, who monitor the island's environment year-round. He noted that the military presence aims to deter negligent actions that could cause fires, such as agricultural work or barbecues during high-risk periods, and added that they are coordinated with the Civil Guard and other authorities.
Villanueva also emphasized the added value of patrols in tourist areas, citing previous experiences from Operation Prometeo where assistance was provided to individuals involved in traffic accidents, those lost in the mountains, and contributing to a reduction in thefts.
For her part, Rosa Dávila described the renewal of the agreement as a symbol of "commitment, anticipation, and responsibility" in protecting Tenerife, its mountains, its people, landscapes, and biodiversity. She pointed out the expansion of material, human, and technological resources, stating that the island is "more and better prepared."
Last year, Army personnel completed over 25,000 hours of work and covered 190,000 kilometers. This year, drones will be added, and if necessary, helicopters with night vision. Dávila indicated that the possibility of extending the mission by an additional month will be evaluated with the Ministry of Defence, given expert warnings about increased vegetation due to recent rains.
