Tenerife Fire Consortium Unveils Historic Budget to Bolster Emergency Services

The Tenerife Fire Consortium has made headlines with the announcement of a groundbreaking budget for the year 2026, amounting to an impressive €26,263,144.02. This figure represents a modest yet significant increase of 1.28% compared to the previous year, underscoring the organization’s ongoing commitment to enhancing emergency services across the island.

President Iván Martín expressed pride in this achievement, noting that this budget is the largest in the organization’s 25-year history. The increase reflects a robust dedication to improving both personnel and resources, which are essential for effective emergency response and public safety.

Major Investment in Personnel

A remarkable €22.3 million, which constitutes 85.17% of the total budget, has been earmarked for personnel expenses. This allocation signifies an increase of over €1.1 million compared to the budget for 2025. Martín emphasized the importance of this funding, stating that it is vital for ensuring rapid and effective emergency responses, ultimately aiming to enhance safety for all residents and visitors on the island.

With a focus on improving the quality of service, the Consortium is prioritizing the recruitment and training of skilled personnel. This investment is expected to not only bolster the workforce but also enhance the overall effectiveness of emergency operations.

Modernization of Equipment and Resources

In addition to personnel investments, the budget allocates €205,700 for the development of new applications and communication systems, which are crucial for modern emergency response. Furthermore, €325,000 is designated for operational materials, ensuring that firefighters have the necessary tools and equipment to perform their duties efficiently.

As part of a broader modernization initiative, the Consortium is in the process of procuring 17 new vehicles, which will significantly enhance the fleet available for emergency responses. Renovations are also underway at the Icod de los Vinos fire station, aiming to create a more effective and efficient working environment for firefighters.

Expansion of Personnel and Facilities

The budget also includes the creation of 20 new specialist firefighter driver roles and five chief positions, alongside an expansion of administrative and workshop teams. This strategic move will increase the minimum daily staffing level from 50 to 54 firefighters, ensuring that the Consortium can respond more effectively to emergencies.

In a significant development, a new provisional fire station in Adeje-Arona is expected to open in June, further enhancing the island’s emergency response capabilities. This facility will play a crucial role in improving response times and ensuring that firefighters can reach incidents swiftly and efficiently.

Collaborative Financial Support from Local Authorities

Martín highlighted that this financial boost is made possible through the collaborative efforts of the 21 municipal councils, the Government of the Canary Islands, and the Cabildo of Tenerife. The Cabildo will contribute €7,949,217.21 to the budget, which is a testament to the collective commitment to public safety and emergency preparedness.

Additionally, the Cabildo will cover expenses for ten non-affiliated councils and provide a specific grant of €100,000 to support eight volunteer firefighter associations. This collaborative approach ensures that resources are allocated efficiently and that all areas of the island benefit from enhanced emergency services.

Dedication to Safety and Professionalism

The Tenerife Fire Consortium remains steadfast in its commitment to public safety, ongoing training, and the welfare of its personnel. The new budget is designed not only to improve response times but also to elevate the quality of emergency services provided to the community. This marks a significant advancement in the professionalization and modernization of the fire service, especially in light of the increasing demands for effective risk management and emergency preparedness.

As the Consortium moves forward with these initiatives, it aims to set a benchmark for emergency services in the region, ensuring that both residents and tourists can feel secure knowing that well-trained professionals are ready to respond to any emergency situation.

Key points

• The Tenerife Fire Consortium’s budget for 2026 is €26,263,144.02, the highest in its history.
• 85.17% of the budget, or €22.3 million, is allocated for personnel expenses.
• €205,700 is set aside for new applications and communication systems.
• 17 new vehicles are in the procurement process, and renovations are ongoing at the Icod de los Vinos station.
• The budget includes 20 new firefighter driver positions and five chief roles.
• A new provisional fire station in Adeje-Arona is expected to open in June.
• The Cabildo of Tenerife will contribute €7,949,217.21 to the budget.