Casablanca – Morocco recorded 310 forest fires between the start of the year and July 20, 2026, burning a total of 1,850 hectares, according to the National Agency for Water and Forests. That represents an average of 5.9 hectares per fire.
Nearly half of the burned area, or 832 hectares, consisted of forest stands, while the remaining 1,018 hectares were secondary vegetation and grasslands.
The figures show a different picture than the number of fires alone suggests. Compared with the 10-year average for the same period, the number of fires rose by around 32%, from 233 to 310. At the same time, the total area destroyed by fire fell by about 30%, dropping from an average of 2,660 hectares to 1,850 hectares.
The agency linked the increase in fires to heavy vegetation growth after the exceptional rainfall Morocco received last winter. That plant cover later dried out during heat waves at the end of May and the beginning of July, making it easier for fires to start and spread.
Even so, officials say the smaller burned area reflects faster detection and quicker intervention on the ground. Early reporting and coordinated firefighting operations helped contain most fires before they could grow into larger incidents.
The response involved the Interior Ministry, the National Agency for Water and Forests, Civil Protection, the Royal Armed Forces, the Royal Gendarmerie, the Royal Air Force, Auxiliary Forces, and local authorities.
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Regionally, Souss-Massa recorded the largest burned area with 600 hectares, followed by Beni Mellal-Khenifra with 410 hectares and Marrakech-Safi with 205 hectares. Rabat-Sale-Kenitra recorded the highest number of fires at 80, ahead of Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima with 70. The agency said the two regions face greater human pressure because of their population density, easier access to forests, and the range of activities taking place there.
Between July 13 and 19 alone, Morocco recorded 20 forest fires that burned 670 hectares. Three major fires accounted for most of that damage. Two fires that broke out on July 15 in Inaouen, Taroudant, and Ijoukak, Al Haouz, burned a combined 403 hectares before being fully brought under control last Monday. Another fire in Lakssiba, Beni Mellal, burned 170 hectares. A fire in Afourar, Azilal, affected 85 hectares and was 90% contained as of July 20.
The agency also pointed to Morocco’s position compared with other Mediterranean countries. Data from the European Forest Fire Information System show Spain has recorded 104,476 burned hectares this year, while France reported 42,178 hectares, Portugal 29,224 hectares, and Italy 20,291 hectares.
Authorities say Morocco’s lower burned area reflects continued investment in prevention, early monitoring, and rapid response. With August and September usually bringing the highest wildfire risk because of hot and dry weather, the agency said firefighting teams remain on high alert and urged visitors, beekeepers, livestock owners, campers, and anyone using forest areas to avoid any activity that could start a fire and report smoke or suspicious behavior immediately.
