35 Fire Extinguishers Illegally Dumped in
Ecological attack in the San Andrés mountain natural area, Puerto del Rosario
The Local Police of Puerto del Rosario announced an investigation after discovering an illegal dump in the San Andrés mountain natural area, in the locality of Tetir.
On the morning of Sunday, authorities located 35 abandoned fire extinguishers together with other waste such as wood debris, after a neighbor reported the incident.
The police warned of the seriousness of these acts, stating that they are not only “a lack of civility” but also “a significant environmental risk.” They explained that the extinguishers contain chemicals such as dry powder or CO₂, which can contaminate the soil and negatively affect the surrounding flora and fauna. Moreover, if the devices are damaged or still pressurized, there is a danger of explosion or sudden release of their contents.
- Potential contamination of soil
- Harm to local plants and wildlife
- Risk of explosion if extinguishers are compromised
The impact of this waste could also disrupt the ecosystem’s balance, making natural regeneration of the area more difficult and endangering animals that come into contact with the material.
The Local Police keep the investigation open, analysing the identifying labels on the extinguishers to determine the responsible party or parties. The act could constitute an environmental crime, and authorities do not rule out forwarding the case to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.