Casablanca – Morocco’s National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF) has issued a wildfire risk bulletin warning of elevated fire danger across several parts of the country between August 1 and August 3.
The agency placed nine provinces under an extreme wildfire risk alert. These are Al Hoceïma, Chefchaouen, Fahs-Anjra, Larache, Tangier-Assilah, Tetouan, M’diq-Fnideq, Nador, and Taza, where conditions are considered highly favorable for the outbreak and spread of forest fires.
ANEF also classified Ouezzane, Berkane, Driouch, Ifrane, Sefrou, Taounate, Kenitra, Khemisset, Benslimane, Mediouna, Mohammedia, Nouaceur, Essaouira, and Agadir-Ida-Ou-Tanane as facing a high wildfire risk during the same period.
A medium level of risk was identified in Jerada, Oujda-Angad, Taourirt, Guercif, Meknes, El Hajeb, Sidi Kacem, Sidi Slimane, Rabat, Sale, Skhirate-Temara, Azilal, Beni Mellal, Khenifra, Settat, Al Haouz, and Taroudant.
According to the agency, the forecast is based on scientific prediction models that assess several factors, including the characteristics of forest areas, their combustibility and flammability, as well as topographical and climatic conditions. These maps are designed to identify the areas most exposed to the risk of wildfire outbreaks across the country.
ANEF urged residents living near forests, holidaymakers, visitors, and people working in forest areas to remain vigilant and strictly follow fire prevention measures. The agency also called on the public to immediately notify local authorities if they notice smoke, the start of a fire, or any suspicious behavior that could lead to a forest fire.
