Morocco Places Nine Provinces On Highest Wildfire Alert As Forest Fires Intensify

Morocco has placed nine northern and eastern provinces under its highest wildfire alert as rising temperatures and dry conditions fuel an increase in forest fires. More than 4,100 hectares have burned so far this year, prompting authorities to deploy drones, aircraft and ground crews to contain the blazes. While this year's damage remains below the long-term average, officials warn that climate change and recurring heatwaves continue to heighten wildfire risks, recalling the devastating fires that swept northern Morocco in 2022.

Moroccan authorities have placed nine provinces under the country's highest wildfire alert level after a rise in forest fires over the past week, as officials race to prevent further destruction during the peak of the summer fire season.
The National Agency for Water and Forests issued red-level warnings on Friday for provinces in northern and eastern Morocco, indicating an extreme risk of wildfires because of high temperatures, dry vegetation and weather conditions favourable to the rapid spread of flames.
Authorities urged residents living near forests to remain vigilant and immediately report any signs of fire.

THOUSANDS OF HECTARES ALREADY DESTROYED

Satellite data from the European Commission-backed Global Wildfire Information System (GWIS) shows that more than 4,100 hectares of land have been burned across Morocco since the beginning of the year.
Around 855 hectares were destroyed during the past week alone, reflecting an increase in fire activity compared with the previous week.
The monitoring system also detected more than 1,000 thermal anomalies between January and early August. These satellite-detected hotspots indicate areas of intense heat but do not necessarily represent separate fires, as a single wildfire may be detected multiple times.
Although this year's cumulative burned area remains below the long-term average recorded between 2012 and 2025, officials warn that conditions remain highly dangerous.

HUNDREDS OF FIRES RECORDED

Government figures show that Morocco recorded 310 wildfires between the start of the year and 20 July, destroying approximately 1,850 hectares of forests and vegetation.
The higher satellite estimate reflects additional fire activity recorded after that date.
Morocco's forests cover about 12 percent of the country's land area and play an important role in protecting biodiversity, supporting rural livelihoods and reducing soil erosion.

DRONES AND AIRCRAFT DEPLOYED

To strengthen firefighting operations, Moroccan authorities have deployed drones alongside firefighting aircraft and ground crews to detect and suppress fires before they spread.
The country's wildfire early warning system combines satellite monitoring, weather forecasts and vegetation analysis to identify high-risk areas and improve emergency response.
Officials say rapid detection remains one of the most effective ways to limit damage.

CLIMATE CHANGE INCREASING FIRE RISK

Like many Mediterranean countries, Morocco has experienced increasingly severe heatwaves, prolonged droughts and changing rainfall patterns in recent years.
Scientists say climate change is making vegetation drier and extending wildfire seasons, increasing both the frequency and intensity of fires.

PREVIOUS MAJOR WILDFIRES

Morocco has suffered several destructive wildfire seasons in recent years.
In 2022, one of the country's worst wildfire outbreaks devastated forests in the northern provinces of Larache, Ouezzane, Taza and Tetouan, burning thousands of hectares and forcing hundreds of families to evacuate their homes.
At least four people lost their lives during that emergency, including firefighters and volunteers battling the flames.
Large fires also broke out in 2023 and 2024, damaging forests near the Rif Mountains and threatening communities as prolonged drought and record-breaking temperatures intensified fire conditions.
The repeated outbreaks have prompted Morocco to invest in improved aerial firefighting capacity, drone surveillance and faster emergency response systems.

CONTINUED HIGH RISK

With much of the summer still ahead, authorities warn that wildfire conditions could worsen if temperatures remain high and rainfall remains scarce.
Environmental experts say protecting forests will require continued investment in prevention, early detection and rapid response, alongside long-term measures to improve forest resilience against climate change.
Officials have urged the public to avoid activities that could accidentally ignite fires, including open burning and discarded cigarette butts, while emergency services remain on high alert across the country's most vulnerable regions.