King Felipe and Queen Letizia recently traveled to Tenerife to observe the areas affected by the huge forest fires that ravaged the island’s northern forests in August.
The King and Queen visited the Chipeque viewpoint in Santa Ursula, where they met with the mayors of the affected municipalities.
The King and Queen of Spain in Tenerife
Accompanied by government officials, the royal couple was briefed on the extent of the damage caused by the fire.
The technicians showed visual panels indicating the almost 14,000 hectares affected in 12 municipalities.
The King and Queen then traveled to Arafo, where the fire originated, to meet with representatives of the tourist, agricultural and small business sectors economically affected.
Later, Felipe and Letizia presided over an act of homage to the crews, volunteers and civil groups that fought against the disastrous fire.
The event, organized by the insular government, recognized the valuable efforts made to fight the flames during the month-long fire.
The fire broke out in the Sierra de Arafo on August 15 and was not considered to be under control until September 11.
However, drought and heat waves in early October rekindled dozens of outbreaks inside and outside the burned perimeter, forcing the redeployment of emergency military units.
The royal visit served as an encouragement and awareness-raising event, underlining the importance of wildfire preparedness and community resilience in the face of natural disasters.
As Tenerife begins the long process of recovery, the presence of the King and Queen of Spain conveyed sympathy, hope and honor to the island’s residents.
