Morocco faces extreme forest fire risk in several provinces

In its latest Forest Fire Risk Bulletin (BRIF), covering July 6 to 12, 2026, the National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF) has flagged several regions in Morocco as being at medium to high risk of forest fires. As summer temperatures soar, the threat intensifies.

The bulletin highlights an «extreme risk» in the provinces of Berkane, Nador, Taourirt, Guercif, Ifrane, Taounate, Taza, Khénifra, Al-Haouz, Essaouira, Agadir-Ida-Ou-Tanane, and Taroudant. Meanwhile, a «high risk» affects Chefchaouen, Fahs-Anjra, Larache, Ouazzane, Tanger-Assilah, Tétouan, M’Diq-Fnideq, Jerada, Oujda-Angad, Fez, Kenitra, Rabat, Salé, Skhirate-Témara, Azilal, Beni Mellal, Chichaoua, and Midelt. A «medium risk» is identified in Al Hoceima, Driouch, Meknes, El-Hajeb, Boulemane, Sefrou, Sidi Kacem, and Khémisset.

ANEF Bulletin

In light of this, ANEF is urging those living near forests, as well as «summer holidaymakers and visitors, and those working in forested areas», to exercise caution. There’s a strong call to «take necessary precautions to prevent the outbreak of forest fires» and to «promptly alert local authorities if they notice smoke or suspicious activities».

The agency's bulletin aims to «anticipate the issue of forest fires» by utilizing scientific forecasting models to precisely update risk zones. This involves analyzing data related to «forest types and their levels of combustibility and flammability», along with «topoclimatic parameters».