Moroccan emergency teams have been battling persistent wildfires in the Houara Forest, located in the northern Tangier province, for the fourth consecutive day. The fires broke out on Monday, driven by extreme heat and strong winds, complicating efforts to contain the blaze.
According to Osman El-Azzaoui, Regional Director of the National Agency of Water and Forests in Tangier, approximately 85 hectares (210 acres) have been affected as of Thursday afternoon. Despite the deployment of three amphibious Canadair aircraft, firefighting efforts face significant obstacles due to soaring temperatures and gusty winds that continue to hamper containment operations.
“The fire suppression remains difficult under the prevailing weather conditions,” El-Azzaoui confirmed. He also highlighted the coordinated response involving the Moroccan army, Royal Gendarmerie, Civil Protection, and Auxiliary Forces working together to bring the situation under control.
In preparation for the fire season of 2025, Moroccan authorities have allocated nearly $17 million to strengthen wildfire response and prevention efforts. This investment aims to enhance firefighting capabilities and improve rapid intervention strategies to mitigate the risks of forest fires.
Abdelrahim Houmi, Director-General of the National Agency of Water and Forests in Tangier, reported a notable decline in forest fire incidents in 2024, with 382 fires recorded—a reduction of 82 percent compared to the previous year. Nonetheless, the fires have damaged 874 hectares, with nearly 45 percent of the destruction involving secondary vegetation and seasonal plants, vital components of the local ecosystem.
Forests cover around 12 percent of Morocco’s land area and are vulnerable to wildfires annually. The intensity and frequency of these events vary depending on climatic conditions and human factors. The government’s continued focus on wildfire management aims to safeguard Morocco’s natural resources and communities from the adverse effects of such disasters.