Operation 'Centinela Tinerfeño' 2025 begins to provide protection against wildfires on the island of Tenerife.

 For the first time ever, a helicopter patrol from the 6th Manoeuvre Helicopter Battalion has been included in this deployment. 

Operation Centinela Tinerfeño, aimed at surveillance and deterrence of wildfires, has begun today on the island of Tenerife. This military deployment, which will continue until 30 September, involves approximately 350 service personnel and two helicopters from the 6th Manoeuvre Helicopter Battalion (BHELMA VI). 

Centinela Tinerfeño 2025 will operate with 10 permanent daily patrols, on a 24/7 basis, comprising 32 personnel and 14 vehicles on standby. A key development this year is the inclusion of the aforementioned helicopter patrol. 

In addition to elements from the 'Canarias' Brigade XVI, part of the Canary Islands Command, the operation also involves units directly subordinate to the Headquarters of the Canary Islands Command, including its Headquarters , as well as BHELMA VI, based at ‘Los Rodeos’ base. 

Regarding the areas of operation, initial deployments will focus on those identified as high-risk zones for wildfires this year, specifically: 

·         Western sector: ‘Icod de los Vinos’ Valley and the area of ‘Los Realejos’, extending to the western boundary at ‘Charcos de Erjos’.

·         Eastern sector: Güímar Valley and ‘La Esperanza’. 

These areas may be subject to modification based on assessments by forestry teams, in accordance with the evolution of risk factors such as adverse weather conditions, suspicious human activity, or changes in the wildfire alert level. 

The primary tasks of these patrols include maintaining surveillance and a deterrent presence in the assigned areas; providing early warning to firefighting services in the event of outbreaks or observed wildfires; notifying the State Security Forces of any individuals potentially involved in the deliberate initiation of fires; and conducting coordinated presence, surveillance, and deterrence operations, thereby strengthening the military presence in both designated areas and local communities. 

This deployment results from an agreement signed last April—for the second consecutive year—between the 'Cabildo' of Tenerife and the Ministry of Defence, whereby both parties agreed to the deployment of military assets in the island’s most vulnerable areas, particularly those surrounding protected natural spaces. 

The deployment in Tenerife will operate in coordination with the Forestry Units of the Island Council of Tenerife and the State Security Forces.