Rabat — A large fire broke out Saturday afternoon in the palm oases near Zagora, threatening farmers’ livelihoods during the crucial date harvest season.
The blaze affected several areas in the Zagora province.
While firefighters initially brought the fire under control, the flames reignited and spread across scattered areas, threatening nearby agricultural fields.
Local media reported that the fire continued to burn and cause significant damage to the oases that serve as the main source of income for local farmers.
The timing is particularly devastating, as it coincides with farmers beginning their date harvest season.
Eyewitnesses confirmed that some crops suffered damage, expressing fears that losses could worsen if strong winds reignite the flames and spread the fire further.
Firefighting teams faced major challenges reaching the burning areas because their large trucks could not access the locations, forcing local authorities to bring in additional equipment as well as transport water from wells to combat the flames.
The fire created panic among residents, who came out to help firefighters prevent the flames from spreading to more areas. After hours of tireless work, firefighters and locals were able to bring down the fire and control its spread.
Residents say that these fires occur every summer and pose a serious threat to the oases. The recurring blazes reduce agricultural production and multiply economic and social losses in the region.
Farmers worry that losses will double this year since the fire coincides with date season, which could severely impact their living income.
The incident reflects the ongoing vulnerability of Morocco’s traditional oasis agriculture to seasonal fires that threaten both the environment and local communities’ economic survival.
