Tenerife Fire Consortium Unveils Ambitious Budget and Staffing Enhancements for 2026
The Tenerife Fire Consortium is poised to embark on a transformative journey in 2026 with a substantial budget increase and an expansion of its workforce. This strategic move aims to bolster the island’s emergency response capabilities and ensure the safety of its residents and visitors.
Historic Financial Commitment
In a landmark announcement, the Consortium revealed that its budget for the upcoming year will soar to €26,263,144.02. This figure not only represents a remarkable 1.28% increase from the previous year but also marks the highest budget allocation in the organization’s 25-year history. The president of the Consortium, Iván Martín, expressed pride in this achievement, highlighting the importance of adequate funding in maintaining and enhancing the island’s emergency services.
Strategic Investment in Personnel and Resources
A significant portion of the budget—approximately 85.17%—will be directed towards personnel costs, totaling €22,369,492.45. This allocation signifies an increase of €1,108,708.28 compared to the 2025 budget. Martín emphasized that investing in human resources is vital for ensuring a quicker and more effective response to emergencies, thereby reinforcing the Consortium’s commitment to making Tenerife a safer place for all.
In addition to personnel expenses, the budget includes €205,700 for new equipment and applications aimed at improving communication among administrators. Furthermore, €325,000 has been earmarked for operational materials, ensuring that the fire service is well-equipped to handle various emergencies. To modernize its fleet, the Consortium plans to acquire or bid for a total of 17 vehicles, alongside undertaking significant renovations at the fire park located in Icod de los Vinos.
Enhancements in Human Resources
The financial boost will facilitate the creation of 20 new Firefighter Specialist Driver positions and five additional Chief roles, significantly strengthening the leadership and operational capacity of the fire service. Moreover, the budget will also enhance administrative and workshop staff, ensuring that the Consortium operates efficiently and effectively.
New Infrastructure and Community Engagement
This substantial financial investment will pave the way for the establishment of a new provisional fire station in Adeje-Arona, which is expected to begin operations in June. This new facility will increase the minimum daily staffing on the island from 50 to 54 personnel, further enhancing the Consortium’s ability to respond to emergencies swiftly and effectively.
Martín noted that this initiative is made possible through contributions from the 21 member municipalities, the Government of the Canary Islands, and the Cabildo of Tenerife, which will provide €7,949,217.21 to support the budget. Additionally, the Cabildo will cover fees for ten non-member municipalities and allocate a grant of €100,000 to support eight volunteer firefighter associations, underscoring the collaborative effort to enhance fire safety across the region.
The Consortium remains steadfast in its mission to improve the safety of the island and continuously enhance the training and well-being of its personnel. By focusing on reducing response times and delivering high-quality service to the public, the Consortium aims to foster a safer environment for all residents and visitors.
Key points
- The Tenerife Fire Consortium’s budget for 2026 will be €26,263,144.02, a historic high.
- Personnel costs will account for 85.17% of the total budget.
- €22,369,492.45 is allocated for workforce expenses, marking a significant increase.
- The budget includes funds for new equipment and operational materials.
- A new provisional fire station in Adeje-Arona is set to open in June.
- The Cabildo of Tenerife will contribute €7,949,217.21 to support the budget.
- 20 new Firefighter Specialist Driver positions and 5 new Chief roles will be created.
