The ban affects trails, viewpoints, recreational areas, parking lots, and rest areas, with the exception of covered buildings where expressly permitted. This measure follows several recent fires in protected areas of Tenerife, allegedly caused by cigarette butts.
Despite the regulation coming into effect, visible signage warning visitors is minimal. At some stops along the TF-21 road, over thirty cigarette butts were found within minutes, a particularly concerning issue given the high temperatures at the start of summer.
“"We think it's a very good decision that smoking is not allowed. Great, bravo!"
Visitors, such as a family from Burgos, although unaware of the rule, welcome the initiative. "The rule is good because we protect a very important natural site and it must be treated with great care," they comment, emphasizing the importance of avoiding carelessness in the face of fire threats in natural environments, similar to those experienced in other parts of Spain.
Park rangers and technicians are informing offenders about the new regulation. A technician from Gesplan explained that plans are underway to update signage and include "no smoking" notices, similar to other restrictions. Currently, no fines have been issued, and the initial response to a smoker is to inform them of the prohibition.
The majority of visitors, including a group of friends from Los Realejos and Portuguese tourists, support the measure, prioritizing the protection of the natural environment. "We must protect the environment above all else," they state, highlighting the importance of caring for emblematic landscapes.
“"It's good that they are taking care of the park, but not all smokers intend to start fires. We are not all pyromaniacs or trying to cause harm."
However, some visitors, like Miguel López from Sagunto, find the measure excessive, suggesting the designation of specific smoking areas. "Why don't they define well-controlled, safe zones so that those who want to smoke can do so without problems or risks?" he asks.
Penalties for smoking in the park range from 100 to 1,000 euros. If the conduct leads to a forest fire, fines can reach 100,000 euros, in addition to potential prison sentences. Enforcement is carried out by environmental agents, forest rangers, and Brifor personnel.
Since the last fire in 2023, preventive and coercive measures have been reinforced in collaboration with the Seprona of the Guardia Civil and other security forces. These actions have led to the imprisonment of five individuals responsible for fires, such as the one in Icod el Alto, underscoring the impact of a single cigarette butt in an iconic location like Teide.
