Ongoing operations
The 'Canarias' XVI Brigade starts the 'Centinela' operation in Tenerife to protect against forest fires.
In Tenerife
July 1, 2024
- The operation deploys patrols in the mountains of the island of Tenerife for the surveillance and deterrence of forest fires during the summer months.
The first patrol for surveillance and dissuasion against forest fires in Tenerife has started today, with its departure from the 'Hoya Fría' barracks in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the operation 'Centinela'.
The activation of the operation took place after its presentation to civilian and military authorities in a ceremony presided over by the Chief of Staff of the Canary Islands Command, General Luis Cortés Delgado. Those present were able to witness the departure of this patrol, the first of more than 900 that will be carried out during the summer months.
Operation 'Centinela' is part of an agreement signed on 25 June by the Cabildo of Tenerife and the Ministry of Defence in which they agreed on the operational deployment of land patrols in the most vulnerable areas of the island. The patrols will initially be deployed in three areas identified as being at high risk of fire this year:
- Northeast Zone: Anaga Massif.
- West Zone: Valle de Icod de los Vinos and Los Realejos area up to the western limit at Charcos de Grejos.
- East Zone: Güímar Valley.
This agreement improves environmental protection and increases safety during this year's fire campaign, which will run from 1 July to 30 September.
In addition to Units from the Brigade 'Canarias' XVI, Units directly subordinate to the Canary Islands Command Headquarters will participate, such as its Headquarters Unit (UCG) and the Helicopter Manoeuvre Battalion (BHELMA) VI. It will also have more than 600 troops from the Cabildo, who will be active 24 hours a day under the operational control of the Operations Command. The head of the 'Canarias' Brigade, General Ricardo Esteban Cabrejos, has been appointed as the Force Commander of the deployed force and military commander on the ground.
The tasks of the patrols are, among others, to monitor and maintain a dissuasive presence in the assigned areas, to provide information to the fire-fighting services on the outbreaks and/or fires they observe and to notify the State Security Forces and Corps of any personnel who may be involved in arson.
The Armed Forces operation for surveillance and deterrence of forest fires is called 'Centinela' and is carried out in Galicia and Tenerife ('Centinela Gallego' and 'Centinela Tinerfeño'). Operation Prometeo' is the deployment carried out in coordination with the Forestry Units of the Cabildo of Tenerife and the State Security Forces and Corps in the prevention and fight against forest fires.
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