The school day at IES La Orotava was disrupted on Monday by the presence of a large bee swarm. The incident, which caused concern within the educational community, required the activation of public safety protocols and the intervention of emergency services.
The alert reached the Tenerife Fire Department Coordination Center via 112 around 1:15 PM. Firefighters from the Fire Consortium based in La Orotava were dispatched to the center to assess the situation. The swarm was located in a high and difficult-to-access part of the school's infrastructure, complicating removal efforts.
Initially, firefighters attempted to relocate the bees using a swarm trap, a special box designed to attract the queen and the rest of the colony. The intention was for the bees to move on their own so they could be removed at night, when their activity is lower. However, upon returning at 8:00 PM, it was confirmed that the swarm had not moved.
The presence of swarms in urban and school areas is common at this time of year in the Canary Islands, but it requires professional action to prevent massive stings and, at the same time, protect bees, a protected species vital for the ecosystem.
Given this situation, the collaboration of a specialized beekeeper was requested. Together, firefighters and the beekeeper proceeded with the manual removal of the swarm, ensuring that the institute was free of danger for the following day. The Local Police of La Orotava also participated in the operation.
This incident highlights the importance of coordination between emergency services and educational centers. Thanks to the swift and effective intervention, IES La Orotava was able to resume its activities normally, resolving an alarming event that concluded successfully for all involved and for the preservation of biodiversity.
