Rabat – Morocco’s National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF) has classified eight provinces across the country as being at extreme risk of forest fires, while others have been classified as being at high risk for the period from September 28 to October 1.
This alert was issued in anticipation of the current heatwave affecting several regions of Morocco, with temperatures rising as high as 43 degrees Celsius.
The forest fire forecasting system set up by ANEF to predict forest fires in Morocco produces daily maps using its scientific prediction models to pinpoint at-risk areas across the country.
This method analyzes forest types and their flammability and combustibility levels, as well as topo-climatic parameters.
As a result, ANEF has identified an extreme red risk in the provinces of Taroudant, Kenitra, Beni Mellal, Khenifra, Taounate, Taza, Larache, and Ouezzane.
Provinces identified as being at high risk (orange level) of forest fires are Al Hoceima, Chefchaouen, Tanger-Assilah, Agadir-Ida-Ou Tanane, Sidi Kacem, Essaouira, Azilal, Sefrou.
Those at medium risk (yellow level) include Al Haouz, Chichaoua, Driouch, Nador, Ifrane, Guercif, Fahs-Anjra, Tétouan, and M’Diq-Fnideq.
Given the alarming results of its analysis, ANEF is urging citizens, visitors, and forest dwellers to take the necessary precautions to avoid forest fires.
Another important measure is to alert the authorities as quickly as possible when they notice smoke or suspicious activity.
