A warning has been sent to Canary Island vacationers on the increased risk of forest fires throughout the archipelago in the days ahead.

A 'pre-alert' status was declared by the government this week, citing "dry, warm air" and "abnormally high temperatures" as contributing reasons to dangerous tinder-box conditions that might be made worse by "strong or very strong gusts."

Regions of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote are under 'extreme' red warnings for wildfires on Friday, as declared by Aemet, Spain's meteorological authority. By Saturday, these warnings expand to encompass vast areas of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.

The southern parts of Tenerife and Gran Canaria also continue to face extreme alerts. The level of risk decreases slightly by Sunday, December 1, yet Tenerife and Fuerteventura remain under red alerts.

Come Monday, the fire risk diminishes throughout the islands, with the exception of a small area in southern Tenerife which is still subject to a red alert. Since Wednesday, November 27, the Canary Islands government has been in a state of 'pre-alert' due to the fire risk, a decision taken following consultations with Aemet and the Special Plan for Civil Protection and Emergency Response for Forest Fires of the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands (INFOCA).

The warning highlighted that the areas most at risk are those above 1,000m in Tenerife and Gran Canaria in the northern half of the islands, and those above 400m in the south of the islands. Individuals are encouraged to adhere to the government's advice, which includes not discarding rubbish within forests and exercising caution when disposing of lit cigarette ends and matches, reports the Manchester Evening News.

In its guidance for Spain, the UK Foreign Office states the following about wildfires: "Causing a wildfire is a criminal offence in Spain, even if unintentional. Ensure cigarette ends are properly extinguished, do not light barbecues and do not leave empty bottles behind. You can be heavily fined for not adhering to the rules against lighting outdoor barbecues in forest areas. Be sure you understand the rules if considering a barbecue."

It further adds: "Immediately report any fire you see to the emergency services on 112. In the case of wildfires, the situation can change rapidly, so it's important to stay informed with official advice."