Rabat – Fire crews have contained the blaze that broke out Tuesday in Derdara Forest in the province of Chefchaouen.
Provincial director of the National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF), Youssef Zarroqi, announced the news on Thursday.
He explained that operations will continue in the coming days to fully put out the fire, which has threatened the area’s dense woodland and natural resources.
From the first report of the fire, provincial and local authorities, the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), the Royal Gendarmerie, Civil Protection, Water and Forests staff, and Auxiliary Forces moved in to control the flames.
Zarroqi said that extreme weather made the task harder. Low humidity, high temperatures, and winds of more than 40 km/h, combined with the forest’s thick three cover, hindered the response.
He added that the priority remains to protect lives, safeguard property as well as the forest ecosystem.
Canadair planes from the FAR and Turbo Thrush aircraft from the Royal Gendarmerie joined the effort from the air.
By Tuesday evening, teams had contained three of the four main fire fronts.
Efforts on Wednesday pushed that number to 80% containment, leading to control yesterday.
Zarroqi urged residents and visitors to take every precaution, warning that the high summer temperatures and heavy tourist presence increase the risk of fire in the province.
The firefighting operation mobilized nearly 450 personnel or more from various response teams, supported by advanced equipment and technical resources.
Wildfires have become increasingly common across Morocco in recent years, particularly amidst rising temperatures due to climate change and drought.
Authorities warn that human negligence often contributes to these fires, which can devastate forests, wildlife, and local communities. The ANEF continues to raise awareness, urging residents and visitors to take precautions and remain vigilant to prevent new outbreaks.
