Canary Islands declare state of 'pre alert' with UK tourists in five resorts warned

Canary Islands declare state of 'pre alert' with UK tourists in five resorts warnedThe Canary Islands Government has issued a pre-alert for a high risk of wildfires across five

islands.TravelJames Rodger Content Editor06:30, 03 Jun 2025Canary Islands declare state of 'pre alert' with UK tourists in five resorts warned The Canary Islands has declared a state of

"pre-alert" with millions of UK tourists in five resorts warned. The Canary Islands Government has issued a pre-alert for a high risk of wildfires across five islands.

The move from the islands, which belong to Spain in the European Union, come as intense heat and dry conditions raise fears of blazes in the region. The warning affects Tenerife, El Hierro,

La Palma, La Gomera, and Gran Canaria until further notice.

‌ It was triggered on Sunday after a drop in rainfall combined with soaring temperatures and the arrival of calima – a dry, dusty wind from the Sahara.

‌ READ MORE UK faces 'Spanish scorcher' heatwave with 31C as exact date it starts announced

The alert is part of the islands’ official wildfire response plan, INFOCA, activated when conditions are deemed likely to fuel the spread of forest fires. The Directorate General of

Emergencies made the decision under Decree 60/2014, which governs emergency response procedures in the archipelago.

Article continues below Canary Islands weather is clearly defined between the north and south. Mount Teide is a dormant volcano in the middle of Temerife and divides the two halves. In the

north, the climate is wetter and cooler, which means it attracts fewer tourists.

The south has more sunshine and warmer temperatures. This southern half is also less windy with fewer clouds, which gives a hotter climate.

The weather in Tenerife can be affected by dust storms that sweep in from the Sahara when the prevailing wind direction changes.

Article continues below The Met Office advises on its website: "Called the ‘calima’, this brings fine sand particles that create a haze and can cause some people breathing difficulties. On

these days, it’s best to stay indoors, but this weather is rare and quickly passes."

Holidaymakers are also being urged to take precautions, avoid activities that could spark fires, and report any signs of smoke to emergency services immediately.