Fire Breaks Out at Madre del Agua Camp in Tenerife, Leading to Urgent Evacuation of Children

In the early hours of Friday morning, a significant fire erupted at the Madre del Agua mountain camp, located in Granadilla de Abona, Tenerife. This alarming incident necessitated the immediate evacuation of 23 children and two adults who were present at the camp.

Swift Action by Emergency Services

The fire was first reported around 6:30 am, prompting a rapid response from the Canary Islands Emergency Coordination Centre (CECOES 112). Emergency calls flooded in, alerting authorities to the dangerous situation unfolding in the remote forest area. Firefighters from the Tenerife Fire Consortium were quickly dispatched to the scene, joined by local police, the Guardia Civil, and forestry officers, all of whom played crucial roles in managing the emergency.

Upon arrival, the fire crews encountered a challenging environment characterized by thick smoke and difficult terrain, which complicated their efforts to control the flames. Tragically, one wooden cabin was completely consumed by the fire, and a large column of smoke was visible from several kilometers away, raising concerns among local residents and authorities alike.

Effective Evacuation and Fire Management

Throughout the morning, the dedicated efforts of the firefighters began to pay off as they worked tirelessly to bring the situation under control. By mid-morning, officials were able to confirm that there were no injuries reported among the evacuees and that the fire no longer posed a risk of spreading into the surrounding pine forest, which is vital for the local ecosystem.

All individuals evacuated from the camp were safely relocated to a secure area, where they were monitored while firefighters continued to extinguish remaining hotspots. Investigations into the cause of the fire commenced immediately, with initial assessments suggesting that it may have been accidental in nature. However, a thorough investigation is still underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the blaze.

Understanding the Madre del Agua Camp

The Madre del Agua camp is a well-established outdoor education facility nestled high in the mountains above Granadilla, near Vilaflor. Known for its commitment to environmental education, the camp regularly hosts school trips and youth groups, offering a variety of adventure activities designed to foster a connection with nature. The camp is surrounded by protected forest within the Corona Forestal Natural Park, making it an ideal location for educational programs focused on the environment.

Managed by the Cabildo de Tenerife, the camp is part of a broader environmental education network aimed at promoting awareness and appreciation of the region’s natural beauty. The recent fire incident has raised concerns about the safety of such facilities, highlighting the need for stringent fire safety measures in areas prone to wildfires.

Key points

• A fire at Madre del Agua camp in Tenerife led to the evacuation of 23 children and two adults.
• The fire was reported to CECOES 112 around 6:30 am on Friday.
• Firefighters from the Tenerife Fire Consortium responded to the emergency, supported by local authorities.
• One wooden cabin was completely destroyed, but no injuries were reported.
• The fire was brought under control by mid-morning, with no further risk to the surrounding forest.
• The cause of the fire is under investigation, with early indications pointing to an accidental origin.
• Madre del Agua camp is a popular site for outdoor education, managed by the Cabildo de Tenerife.