The Lanzarote Security and Emergency Consortium presented its 2024 Report this Monday, a report that summarizes the main actions carried out in Lanzarote and La Graciosa throughout the past year. A document that reflects a period marked by the improvement of resources, the modernization of infrastructures and, above all, the strengthening of prevention and training for both staff and citizens.
“The safety of our citizens is an absolute priority for the Cabildo of Lanzarote. This report presented this Monday reflects the commitment and excellence in emergency response, and we are pleased to strengthen infrastructures that guarantee the protection of our islands. These advances not only guarantee greater operability of our services, but also lay the foundations for a safer future in both Lanzarote and La Graciosa," said the president of the Cabildo of Lanzarote, Oswaldo Betancort.
For his part, the president of the Consortium, Francisco J. Aparicio, highlighted the importance of this annual balance “as a key tool to evaluate the work carried out and set new goals in terms of security”. “Every year we face new challenges in emergencies and civil protection, and analyzing the work carried out allows us to continue improving. However, the data in this report reflect the clear commitment we are making to training and prevention as the basis for building safer islands,” he added.
The Consortium closed 2024 with a total of 1,217 services, which represents an increase of 4% in relation to the number of services of the previous year. This increase in the number of services is explained by observing the notable increase in prevention activities and the performance of simulations. In comparison with the previous year, the simulations have skyrocketed by 79% – going from 12 to 59 exercises – and preventive actions have increased by 78%, rising from 30 to 132 interventions.
These data reflect "a firm commitment from the Consortium to strengthen training, preparation and response capacity, essential elements to minimize risks and guarantee a rapid and effective intervention in emergency situations."
Main interventions and advances in 2024
Among the most outstanding actions of the year, the 2024 Report includes the intervention in the fire of the Zonzamas Environmental Complex, where more than 100 personnel worked to extinguish the fire, preventing its spread and ensuring the operability of the landfill. The Consortium's participation in the emergency caused by the DANA in Valencia is also highlighted, where firefighters from Lanzarote provided support in water drainage and rescue tasks.
In terms of prevention and cardioprotection, the Consortium reinforced its network of defibrillators with the delivery of 30 new devices to city councils, security forces and Civil Protection.
In addition, educational campaigns and training courses were carried out, aimed at both the public and the Consortium's own staff, such as the Fire Prevention Week and the CPR workshops on World Cardiac Arrest Day, with the aim of providing the population with essential tools to act in emergency situations.
Investment and modernization of infrastructures
In 2024, the Consortium carried out a significant renovation of its fleet with the incorporation of eight new emergency vehicles, including fire trucks, rescue vehicles and electric units for rapid interventions. In addition, procedures were initiated for the relocation of the Arrecife Fire Station, with the aim of improving connectivity and reducing response times to emergencies.
The document also reflects the growth of the Consortium's budget, which reached 8 million euros, allowing the creation of 19 new firefighter positions, the optimization of infrastructures and the improvement of emergency services on the island.
“We continue working to improve the safety of our islands, also promoting prevention and safety education campaigns. Together, hand in hand, we will make our islands safer and safer,” concluded Aparicio.
