Morocco Battles Forest Blaze Near Tetouan as Canadair Planes Join Fight
- A forest fire near Tetouan, Morocco, has prompted an extensive firefighting response.
- Ground crews and Canadair aircraft are involved in fighting the blazes.
- Authorities emphasized the need for vigilance against forest fire risks in northern provinces.
- The Moroccan government allocated $17 million for wildfire preparedness for the future.
- Recent statistics show a significant drop in the number of wildfires in Morocco compared to 2023.
Intensive firefighting efforts against northern Morocco blaze
A significant forest fire has erupted near Tetouan, northern Morocco, with high stakes in the firefighting efforts. Since early Saturday morning, ground crews and four Canadair amphibious aircraft have been at the forefront of battling the flames, which started in a forested area close to Mellalyène. According to Fouad El Assali, the director in charge of climate and environmental risks at the National Water and Forest Agency, intensive operations on the ground are vital but it’s still early to determine the damage caused by the fire, as officials remain vigilant in containing the situation.
Authorities on alert amid concerning wildfire patterns
The fire risk has been heightened across northern provinces, prompting Moroccan authorities to act decisively. On July 15, the National Water and Forest Agency issued warnings urging residents close to these forest areas to report any signs of smoke or unusual activity immediately. This proactive approach comes after the government set aside $17 million in May for wildfire responses in the summer season of 2025.
Recent wildfire statistics indicate improvement but risks remain
Still, the past year has shown some progress in Morocco’s struggle against wildfires. With 382 wildfires occurring in 2024, which marked an 82% decline compared to the previous year, the situation seems to be trending in the right direction. However, forests, which cover about 12% of Morocco’s terrain, remain at risk due to seasonal fire conditions and human negligence. Local firefighters continue to push back against flames in the Houara Forest, battling both high temperatures and strong winds, which further complicate containment efforts.
In summary, Morocco is grappling with a significant forest fire near Tetouan, prompting a rapid and vigorous firefighting response. Despite better statistics on wildfire occurrences in the past year, the persistent risks from both climate and human activities underline the need for continued vigilance and preparedness. The government’s commitment to tackling these threats will be crucial moving forward.
