The forests on the Canary Islands are drier than they have been for a long time. Often, a single spark is enough to cause a massive wildfire. Memories of the major forest fire on Tenerife are still fresh, when the forests on the largest of the Canary Islands were ablaze for 85 days. This is precisely what a suspect apparently wanted to provoke once again.
The man had a double stroke of bad luck: first, his attempt to start a fire failed. All that remained was burnt vegetation and a charred tree trunk – though only over an area of a few square metres. Then the suspected arsonist was arrested in record time.
On Tuesday, the Guardia Civil arrested a man just one hour after a fire – which he is suspected of having started – broke out. By that time, the flames had already been extinguished, but the fire brigade had not even finished clearing up the site.
Forest fire on Tenerife thwarted
The flames in the area of San José de los Llanos, near Icod de los Vinos and El Tanque, had been reported by local residents. The fire brigade quickly attended the scene to put out the fire. The blaze was brought under control before it could spread.
All that remained were burnt twigs and a blackened tree trunk. According to the fire service, if the flames had spread further and reached the tree’s crown, a wildfire would probably have broken out.
Whilst the firefighters were still tackling the blaze, local residents and witnesses put the Guardia Civil on the trail of the suspected perpetrator. Not only did they provide a detailed description, but they also gave clues as to his whereabouts, making it relatively easy for the investigators to track the man down.
Barely an hour after the operation began, the man was arrested and taken to the police station. There, his identity was established and a statement was taken. The alleged perpetrator now faces trial for attempted arson in the woods of Tenerife.
No comments on this article yet.