Fire on Monte de Aguirre

Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Category: Memory · Subcategory: Historic sites · Year: 1895

The mountains of the islands have suffered frequent fires over time for various reasons. One of the most catastrophic that occurred within the municipal area of Santa Cruz took place between 16 and 18 August 1895, when the lush vegetation near Monte de Aguirre burned, a place of vital importance for the city, as it was there that the public water supply originated.

The fire started near the Cruz del Carmen and quickly spread throughout the area, reaching truly alarming proportions. After strenuous control and extinguishing work carried out by about fifty workers, all directed and advised by the municipal architect Antonio Pintor, the fire was brought under control. 

About 50 hectares of forest were burned. Fortunately, the springs and sources that supplied the city were not damaged.

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