Doha – Morocco recorded an important decrease in forest fires in 2024. Only 874 hectares of forest were destroyed by fire. This represents an 86% reduction compared to 2023. The country achieved the lowest burned area among Mediterranean countries.
The National Water and Forest Agency (ANEF) released these figures on Thursday. ANEF Director General Abderrahim Houmy chaired a meeting of the National Steering Committee for Forest Fire Prevention and Control. The meeting focused on reviewing 2024 results and preparing for summer 2025.
A total of 382 forest fires were reported across Morocco in 2024. Tree species accounted for 55% of the affected vegetation. The Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region experienced the highest number of incidents with 123 fires (32% of the total). The Fes-Meknes region suffered the largest burned area with 375 hectares (41% of the total damaged area).
This positive outcome occurred despite extreme weather conditions. 2024 was the hottest year in Morocco in the last 300 years. The 2023-2024 agricultural year was also the driest, with rainfall 46.6% below normal levels compared to the 1991-2010 average.
ANEF officials stressed their rapid response capabilities. About 95% of fires in 2024 were contained before reaching 5 hectares. Only three fires (1% of incidents) exceeded 50 hectares. These larger fires accounted for 43% of the total burned area.
Two major fires in Boured (Taza) and Bghaghza (Tetouan) alone destroyed 318 hectares. Authorities deployed 886 personnel and conducted 207 water drops using Canadair aircraft to combat these blazes.
Morocco’s success contrasts sharply with other Mediterranean countries. Portugal lost 143,300 hectares to fires, Turkey 119,980 hectares, Spain 42,508 hectares, and Greece 41,855 hectares during the same period.
Several factors contributed to Morocco’s success. These include slightly more favorable local weather conditions, strengthened intervention forces, and targeted awareness campaigns. The implementation of an important program focusing on equipment and inter-institutional coordination also played a crucial role.
ANEF issues a clear warning
Looking ahead to summer 2025, ANEF warns of high-risk conditions. Recent spring rainfall has delayed the high-risk season but promoted the growth of flammable herbaceous vegetation. Dry Chergui winds are expected to increase fire risks. Cumulative drought and high temperatures could amplify fire outbreaks.
To address these challenges, ANEF has allocated MAD 160 million ($16 million) for prevention, surveillance, and firefighting efforts. About 90% of this budget is dedicated to anticipatory measures. These include maintaining firebreaks, opening forest trails, monitoring through lookouts and spotters, and risk mapping.
More than 1,400 fire spotters will be deployed in sensitive areas. ANEF is also studying the implementation of a unified intervention command system (ICS) in partnership with the US Forest Service.
The agency continues to implement the 2023-2033 Intersectoral Master Plan (PDCI). This plan structures integrated fire risk management through several axes. These include improving knowledge, standardizing practices, restoring burned areas, and adapting the legal framework. A draft guidance law is being adopted to modernize forest risk governance.
ANEF reminds the public that most fires are human-caused. The agency urges campers, hikers, herders, and beekeepers to exercise extreme caution. Preserving Morocco’s forest heritage is crucial for territorial resilience against climate change.
Citizens are encouraged to report any fire outbreaks or suspicious behavior. The Moroccan forest domain, like the rest of the Mediterranean region, remains exposed to risk due to heat waves, decreased humidity, and increased frequency of dry Chergui winds.
Read also: FAO and Morocco’s Water, Forest Agency Unite to Tackle Wildfire Challenges
