Lanzarote’s Safety and Emergency Consortium has issued a public awareness campaign ahead of San Juan Night, urging residents to follow safety guidelines when taking part in traditional bonfire celebrations.
With bonfires presenting significant fire and safety risks if not managed correctly, the Consortium has released a series of recommendations and mandatory measures aimed at preventing accidents, protecting the environment, and safeguarding people and property.
Choosing a Safe Location
The Consortium’s ten-point safety guide highlights the importance of selecting and preparing a suitable site for any bonfire.
Organisers are advised to choose open areas away from buildings, homes, trees, and overhead power or telephone lines. Locations with limited vehicle and pedestrian traffic are also recommended.
Safety distances are a key requirement. The guidance states that a bonfire should be positioned at least six metres away from any object that could be affected by the fire for every metre of the bonfire’s height.
The surrounding area should be thoroughly cleared of combustible materials, and lightweight items that could be carried by the wind should not be used, as they may ignite fires in nearby areas.
Constant Supervision Required
Bonfires should never be left unattended, and basic firefighting equipment such as buckets of water, hoses, or fire extinguishers should be readily available throughout the event.
Where dry vegetation is present nearby, organisers are advised to remove it or treat it beforehand with a fire-retardant product such as ECOFIRE or an equivalent.
Once celebrations have ended, those responsible must ensure the fire is completely extinguished. If necessary, the remains should be covered with soil, and all debris must be removed to leave the site clean and safe.
Materials Strictly Prohibited
The Consortium has also outlined a list of materials that must not be burned under any circumstances due to the danger they pose or their environmental impact.
Prohibited items include:
- Pressurised containers such as aerosol deodorants and insecticides
- Explosive materials and flammable liquids
- Fireworks
- Lightweight paper and fabrics that could be blown by the wind
- Plastic and metal containers or materials
In addition, environmentally harmful items that release toxic emissions when burned are banned, including tyres, paint, foam rubber, and mattresses.
The Consortium is urging the public to follow these guidelines closely to ensure that San Juan Night celebrations can take place safely across Lanzarote and La Graciosa.
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!