Rubbish Bin Fires in Lanzarote Fall by More Than 40% During First Half of 2026
A new report from Lanzarote’s emergency services has revealed encouraging news for both residents and visitors, with rubbish bin fires across the island falling by more than 40% during the first six months of 2026.
The figures show that firefighters attended 22 rubbish container fires between January and June, compared with 37 during the same period in 2025. The continuing decline suggests that incidents involving vandalism and deliberate bin fires are becoming less common across the island.
Firefighters Still Responding to Hundreds of Incidents
Although bin fires have reduced significantly, Lanzarote’s firefighters have remained busy.
Emergency crews responded to 792 incidents during the first half of 2026, representing a 4.3% increase compared with the same period last year.
The busiest types of call-outs included:
- Technical assistance, such as helping people in difficult situations or dealing with public safety issues.
- Fire-related emergencies.
- Rescue operations, including assistance for injured hikers and animal rescues.
- Road traffic accidents.
- Preventative safety deployments during public events.
Which Municipality Required the Most Emergency Responses?
The report also highlights where emergency crews were called out most frequently.
Arrecife accounted for the highest number of incidents, with 327 emergency responses, representing around 41% of all incidents across Lanzarote.
It was followed by:
- Yaiza – 111 incidents
- Teguise – 104
- Tías – 82
- San Bartolomé – 70
- Haría – 36
- Tinajo – 36
- La Graciosa – 26
Rescue Operations Continue Across the Island
During the first six months of the year, firefighters also carried out 79 rescue operations.
These included:
- Animal rescues.
- Assisting hikers, particularly in the municipalities of Yaiza and Tinajo.
- Home entry operations where emergency access was required.
- Responses to water-related emergencies, with two confirmed drowning fatalities recorded during the period.
Positive News for Lanzarote
For anyone living in or visiting Lanzarote, the sharp reduction in rubbish bin fires is a positive sign. Fewer deliberate fires not only reduce disruption to local communities but also allow emergency services to focus on other incidents where their assistance is needed most.
The statistics also demonstrate the broad range of work carried out by Lanzarote’s firefighters. While tackling fires remains a key responsibility, much of their time is spent helping people during accidents, rescues, and other emergencies across the island.
As Lanzarote continues through the busy summer tourist season, emergency services are encouraging everyone to remain vigilant, respect local safety advice, and report emergencies promptly.
