The island of Tenerife is seeking to ensure the continued operation of the Air Tractor AT-802, currently based in La Gomera, as a strategic asset for wildfire suppression throughout the Archipelago. This amphibious aircraft is the only aerial resource capable of deploying long-lasting chemical retardants, a vital tool for halting fire progression and safeguarding populated areas, critical infrastructure, and sensitive ecosystems.
The aircraft, part of the 2026 fire campaign, is recognized for its rapid response and its ability to perform direct water drops as well as create control lines using polyphosphates. These capabilities are essential for preempting flames and enhancing the safety of firefighting teams, particularly amid escalating forest fire risks exacerbated by rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and rural abandonment.
Concerns have been raised about the potential replacement of the aircraft with a helicopter in La Gomera. According to the motion to be debated by the Cabildo, this change could leave the Canary Islands without this unique capability. The major 2023 wildfire in Arafo, which necessitated the evacuation of thousands, highlighted the inadequacy of ground-based resources and limited aerial assets, shifting wildfire management into a civil protection priority.
“"In the Canary Islands, due to the terrain, we have always defended and will continue to defend helicopters because they are more operational for entering ravines or other difficult areas where a Tractor needs more maneuverability and open space. But recent fires highlight the need for these amphibious aircraft because the arrival of water bombers from the mainland takes a long time. Therefore, we should not rule out the use of this plane based in La Gomera because there are many places on the island where its drops are very effective."
Elesbaan Perera López, island spokesperson for forest firefighters with the FSC-CCOO union, emphasizes that both helicopters and amphibious aircraft are necessary. While helicopters offer greater precision for actions in ravines, the Air Tractor is effective in other natural areas, and its prompt availability is crucial given the delays associated with mainland water bombers. Perera advocates for increasing resources and professionalizing the public sector to tackle disasters.
The initiative under consideration by the plenary calls on the Spanish Government to maintain this aerial resource in the islands and enhance the firefighting deployment. It suggests that any additional helicopter for La Gomera should be incorporated without removing the Air Tractor. The proposal also requests an increase in aerial assets for the Canary Islands' fire campaign, considering the archipelago's territorial dispersion, inter-island distances, population density near forest areas, and the need for swift action against incipient fires to prevent major conflagrations.
