By Hannah Ahmed
UK tourists travelling to Gran Canaria, Canary Islands have been warned over a new ban which has come into place. In a bid to battle against the risk of wildfires, the island activated the Infogran fire prevention and response plan on Saturday, with a ban on fire use enforced. Most of the island is facing restrictions, specifically those areas above 400 metres altitude, and comes after high temperatures, dry air and strong winds has left the door open for a wildfire risk. Numerous parts of Europe are already facing the impact of wildfires, with parts of Turkey and Greece dealing with mass disruption after the flames swept areas of Crete and Izmir. READ MORE: Panic as wildfires spark evacuations at holiday hotspots in Turkey and Greece A high-risk warning from the Canary Islands Government鈥檚 Directorate General of Emergencies has also been published, with advice to holidaymakers and residents stating care should be taken in the upcoming days. As part of the safety measures, a ban on fire usage has been rolled out at hostels, campsites, and recreational areas, with the rule also prohibiting the use of barbecues at the aforementioned sites, the Express reported. Other rules have stated fireworks cannot be used in forested zones and within a 400-metre perimeter of woodland. Restrictions have also been applied to any equipment which could produce sparks or flames, with machinery such as angle grinders, brush cutters with metal blades, chainsaws, welding equipment and blowtorches all banned while a wildfire alert is enforced. READ MORE: Panic as wildfires spark evacuations at holiday hotspots in Turkey and Greece Officials have warned even the smallest spark of fire could lead to a major wildfire disaster, providing reasoning for the rules on recreational fire usage. According to local authorities agricultural burnings are still the main cause of wildfires in Gran Canaria. High temperatures, low humidity and dry vegetation can create flames when wind is involved, which could cause the fire to quickly spread. It is important to keep up to date with information from the local authority if you are travelling to Gran Canaria in the near future. READ MORE: UK tourists in Turkey must follow five rules as wildfires rage on