Morocco: More forest fires, but less land burned

From the beginning of this year until July 20, Morocco has experienced a total of 310 forest fires, impacting an area of 1,850 hectares. This equates to an average of 5.9 hectares per fire, comprising 832 hectares of wooded areas (45%) and nearly 1,018 hectares of secondary species and herbaceous cover (55%), according to figures from the National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF).

During the week from July 13 to 19, the country faced 20 fires, affecting a total of 670 hectares of forest. Significant fires erupted on July 15 in Taroudant (Inaouene) and Al Haouz (Ijoukak), covering a combined 403 hectares, and were controlled by July 20. In Beni Mellal (Lakssiba), flames consumed 170 hectares starting July 16, and were contained by July 18. A blaze in Azilal (Afourar) began on July 17 across 85 hectares and was 90% under control by July 20, 2026.

Regionally, Souss-Massa bore the brunt with 600 hectares affected, followed by Beni Mellal-Khenifra with 410 hectares, and Marrakech-Safi with 205 hectares. In terms of fire frequency, Rabat-Sale-Kenitra and Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima recorded the most incidents, with 80 and 70 fires respectively, highlighting the pressure on forested areas.

Statistics indicate «an increase in fire occurrences but a reduction in areas affected». Comparing 2026 data with the decade-long average for the same period, ANEF notes «two contrasting trends». «While fire occurrences rose significantly by nearly 32% from the 10-year average of 233 fires, the area burned decreased by about 30%, compared to the average of 2,660 hectares over the same timeframe», the statement noted.

This rise is attributed to «a particularly dense herbaceous layer, fostered by exceptional rains last winter, coupled with heatwaves in late May and early July, which accelerated drying and increased flammability», the source added.

Meanwhile, the reduction in burned areas underscores «the effectiveness of the prevention and firefighting strategies» led by ANEF and its partners — including the Interior Ministry, Civil Protection, Royal Armed Forces, Royal Gendarmerie, Royal Air Forces, Auxiliary Forces, and local authorities — as well as «the swift detection and intervention».