New decree aims to modernise forest fire response across Canary Islands

The Government of the Canary Islands has reported that it is in the final stages of approving a revised Decree on the Prevention and Extinction of Forest Fires.

The update, announced by Minister of Ecological Transition and Energy Mariano H. Zapata during a session of the Canary Islands Parliament, will replace the existing decree that has been in place since 2001.

The new regulation aims to address changes in climate, land use and population over the past two decades and to improve coordination and emergency response.

The Government stated that the draft decree has been developed in consultation with island councils and the General Directorate of Emergencies.

According to Zapata, public consultation has already taken place and comments are being addressed ahead of final approval.

Coordination and response in high-risk areas to be improved

The Government of the Canary Islands explained that the revised decree is designed to improve emergency planning, coordination and fire response, especially in urban-wildland interface zones.

It stated that these areas are considered complex due to their mixed land use and increased fire risk.

Mariano H. Zapata said: “More than twenty years have passed since the approval of the previous decree. Conditions have changed, and we need to be better prepared.”

He continued: “We have worked on modern, coordinated, and effective regulations that allow us to reduce risks and more effectively protect our forests, the population, and the environment.”

Zapata added: “The goal is for this new decree to be fully operational by 2025 and, once the Forestry Law, which is still in the initial phase of the Executive’s work, is processed and approved, more aspects related to forest fires will be determined, and the decree will be integrated into it.”

New measures include expanded high-risk periods and fire use rules

According to the Government, the revised regulation introduces updated measures such as new restrictions and authorisations for the use of fire in rural settings.

It explained that the period officially classified as high-risk for forest fires will be extended.

Mariano H. Zapata said: “The regulation includes new limitations, prohibitions, and authorisations, including an extension of the declared high-risk period for forest fires and updated management of fire use on agricultural and forestry properties.”

He added: “The document incorporates key elements such as the investigation of causes and updated fire statistics, and an improvement in the organisational structure for emergency management and the firefighting department.”

The Government also stated that a new coordinating body will be created to support work between island councils.

Decree forms part of wider forestry legislation and strategy

The Ministry confirmed that the updated decree is part of a broader legislative package on forest management and fire prevention across the Canary Islands.

This includes the forthcoming Forestry Law, which the Government said will be the first of its kind for the archipelago.

The Canary Islands Forest Plan, valid for 21 years, has already been approved by the Commission for the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Projects (CAEA).

It serves as the main strategic planning tool for forest conservation and recovery in the region.

The Government explained that fire prevention is also supported by the Forest Fire Intervention and Reinforcement Teams (EIRIF), which include helicopter-borne units equipped with specialist vehicles and protective equipment.

Canary Islands forest fire decree revised for 2025 implementation: Summary

The Government of the Canary Islands has proposed a new Decree on the Prevention and Extinction of Forest Fires.

The revised regulation will replace a decree in force since 2001.

It is designed to improve emergency planning and fire response coordination.

The Government stated that the decree has been developed with input from island councils and the General Directorate of Emergencies.

The regulation has undergone public consultation and is in the final approval phase.

It introduces an extended high-risk fire period and revised rules for fire use on rural land.

A new coordination body will be established to work with local authorities.

The decree includes risk classifications and zoning for urban-wildland interface areas.

It also includes mechanisms for post-fire environmental restoration.

The regulation forms part of a wider forestry strategy that includes the new Forestry Law and Forest Plan.

The Forest Plan is valid for 21 years and has passed environmental review.

Firefighting capacity is supported by the EIRIF teams, which include specialist air and ground units.