The agreement between the Cabildo de Tenerife and the Ministry of Defense, unique in the Canary Islands between an insular corporation and the Armed Forces, aims to protect the island's mountains from July 1 to September 30. This year, Operation Prometeo will mobilize 2,500 members of the Army, surpassing the 2,000 in 2024 and 2,300 in 2025.
One of the main novelties of this edition is the integration of drones into surveillance devices, which will complement the night-vision helicopters already in use. Four activations of military helicopters, each lasting two hours, have been scheduled during the operation period.
“"This renewal consolidates a strategic alliance that has proven to be key in preventing forest fires and protecting the island's natural environment."
Ground patrols will focus on the interface zone of Tenerife's protected areas, meaning the border areas between inhabited centers and nature, especially those at higher risk. A monitoring committee will have the power to adjust the areas of operation and the effort of the patrols according to the risk assessment at any given moment.
The Cabildo de Tenerife will cover the expenses derived from this agreement and will provide ground patrols with GPS devices with updated digital mapping. Additionally, both ground and air patrols will be equipped with a Tetra communication system, ensuring continuous and secure connection, essential for coordination in critical situations.
Operation Prometeo began in 2024 in response to the devastating fire that ravaged Tenerife's Corona Forestal in the summer of 2023. That fire, which originated in the highlands of Arafo on August 15, 2023, burned 12,273 hectares and forced the evacuation of 12,000 people, marking one of the worst episodes in recent Canarian history.
