As the summer season intensifies, the National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF) sounds the alarm: several forest areas in Morocco are exposed to an increased risk of fires. The agency urges populations living near wooded areas, vacationers, and professionals working in the forest to be extra vigilant and to adopt exemplary behavior.
In a statement released on Sunday, the ANEF emphasizes collective responsibility in fire prevention, calling for immediate reporting of any suspicious smoke or potentially dangerous activities to local authorities.
Enhanced scientific monitoring
To anticipate dangers, the Agency announces the daily publication, from June 16 to 20, of fire risk forecast maps developed using advanced scientific models. These maps incorporate several variables: type of vegetation, natural flammability, weather conditions, and topographical characteristics.
Based on these analyses, nine provinces have been classified as extreme risk zone (red level): Azilal, Béni Mellal, Chefchaouen, Kénitra, Khémisset, Larache, Tanger-Assilah, Taounate, and Taza.
Vigilance extended to other regions
A high risk (orange level) is reported in the following provinces: Agadir-Ida-Ou-Tanane, Al Hoceima, Berkane, Fahs-Anjra, Ifrane, Khénifra, M’diq-Fnideq, Nador, Ouezzane, Oujda-Angad, Skhirate-Témara, Taourirt, Taroudant, and Tétouan.
The localities of Essaouira, Rabat, Salé, Sefrou, and Sidi Slimane are classified as moderate risk (yellow level).
An alert to protect nature and human lives
Beyond the data, the ANEF reminds that the fight against fires cannot be effective without everyone’s commitment. Risky behaviors – campfires, discarded cigarette butts, pyrogenic activities – can have dramatic consequences on forest ecosystems and the safety of local residents.
The agency therefore calls for a general mobilization to protect Morocco’s forests, which are more vulnerable than ever to climatic hazards and persistent drought.