Three northern provinces of Morocco – Chefchaouen, Taounate, and Taza – are under high surveillance by the National Agency for Water and Forests from July 15 to 18.
The National Agency for Water and Forests, ANEF, has triggered the maximum alert level for the risk of forest fires in three critical provinces: Chefchaouen, Taounate, and Taza.
This alert level, in effect from July 15 to 18, comes amid a tense weather situation, where the combination of heat waves, prolonged drought, and dense forest cover is increasing the vulnerability of the mountain ranges.
According to the latest ANEF forecasts, the danger is particularly high in these areas, historically marked by devastating fires.
In 2022, northern Morocco saw more than 10,000 hectares of forests go up in smoke, causing irreversible biodiversity loss and jeopardizing the livelihoods of many rural communities. In 2021, Chefchaouen had already been the scene of major disasters.
In addition to the provinces placed on red alert, several other areas – including Agadir-Ida-Ou-Tanane, Al Hoceima, Beni Mellal, Essaouira, Fahs-Anjra, Khenifra, Larache, M’diq-Fnideq, Ouezzane,Tangiers-Assilah, and Tetouan – are at high risk.
Here too, the speed at which the fire could spread, if it started, could exceed local response capabilities due to winds and steep terrain.
ANEF urges increased vigilance, including in moderate-risk areas such as Berkane, Ifrane, Rabat, Nador, and Skhirate-Temara.
A simple change in temperature or wind could tip the scales, the agency warns. In this context, the authorities are reiterating the strict guidelines: a formal ban on all open-air fires, a ban on throwing cigarette butts in natural environments, and a requirement to report any suspected fire outbreak. Citizen participation is considered a key lever for early warning and rapid action.
MK/Sf/ac/fss/gik/APA