Arrested suspected arsonist in Tenerife: shock and call for collaboration

In an event that has shocked the island of Tenerife, the Civil Guard announced the arrest of an individual residing in San Miguel de Abona, allegedly responsible for causing three forest fires, one fire, and two attempted fires in the early hours of August 15, 2023 between the towns of Vilaflor and San Miguel de Abona. The news comes after an intense investigation involving the SEPRONA of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Command and the Central Operating Unit for the Environment of the Civil Guard (UCOMA), which deployed a team from Madrid to collaborate in clarifying a series of fires that have affected the island in recent months. According to the Criminal Behavior Analysis Section of the Civil Guard, a "fire-setter profile" was established indicating a "impulsive" or "senseless" motivation, a common characteristic in the actions of arsonists. The president of the Tenerife Island Council, Rosa Dávila, expressed satisfaction with the arrest and thanked the hard work of the security forces, emphasizing the importance of maintaining vigilance against these acts that endanger the lives of people and the natural heritage of the island. In this regard, Dávila called for citizen collaboration to identify possible fire-setters and arsonists, ensuring that efforts will be intensified to prevent these crimes from going unpunished. The president announced the holding of meetings to coordinate prevention and response strategies to forest fires, with the aim of optimizing the work of emergency services and protecting the population and the natural environment of the island. In a gesture of solidarity and unity, Dávila and Lieutenant General Julio Salom, head of the Canary Islands Command, are planning to visit the areas affected by the fires to coordinate actions with the various entities involved in the fight against fire. Likewise, a 'Summit in defense of the mountains and against arsonists' has been called, in which various brigades and security forces will participate to jointly address the protection of the island's natural spaces. The president of the Island Council expressed deep gratitude to all institutions and personnel who work tirelessly to safeguard the life and natural heritage of Tenerife, reaffirming the commitment to continue fighting forest fires and ensuring the safety of the population. Faced with these regrettable events, the island comes together in a clear message of rejection of violence against the environment and in defense of its natural resources, advocating for collaboration and unity as fundamental tools to preserve the beauty and biodiversity of Tenerife.