Canary Police Issue 12 Citations for Forest Offences in Gran Canaria
Increased Vigilance Amid High Fire Risk
The Canary Police have issued a total of twelve citations for infractions in the forest areas of Gran Canaria. One of these was for the use of machinery that generates sparks, following intensified surveillance efforts in response to the maximum alert status due to wildfire risks.
The regional police force reported that these incidents were identified by the Administrative Surveillance and Inspection Unit (UVIA) in various locations in the mountainous regions of the island, specifically in the municipalities of San Mateo, Tejeda, and Moya.
Nature of the Infractions
Of the twelve citations, eleven were related to unauthorised camping, riding on forest tracks, or parking within wooded areas.
The remaining citation involved a individual using spark-generating machinery, such as brushcutters with blade heads. In this instance, officers found the offender operating the motorised tool without safety measures in place within an environment particularly vulnerable due to high temperatures, low humidity, and the accumulation of dry vegetation.
Regulatory Compliance Enforced
Following the identification of the individual, citations were issued in accordance with the current regulations of the Special Plan for Civil Protection and Emergency Response to Wildfires (INFOCA) in the Canary Islands.
The Canary Police emphasise the necessity of adhering to restrictions on access and use within forested areas. They also remind the public that the use of tools such as brushcutters, chainsaws, or petrol blowers is prohibited in rural areas during days of very high or extreme risk due to the significant dangers posed.
Such machinery can create sparks which, upon contact with dry vegetation, can rapidly ignite wildfires.
