Morocco Battles Forest Blaze Near Tetouan as Canadair Planes Join Fight

• Moroccan authorities are battling a forest fire near Tetouan since Saturday morning.
• Fouad El Assali confirmed that firefighting includes ground crews and Canadair aircraft.
• Increased fire risks have prompted authorities to urge local residents to be cautious.
• The government allocated $17 million for wildfire response for the 2025 summer.
• Morocco experienced a notable decrease in wildfires, with an 82% reduction in 2024.
• Forests cover about 12% of Morocco, making them vulnerable to seasonal fires.
• Strengthening disaster preparedness includes a plan to invest $760 million across the country.

Massive firefighting response in Tetouan area to combat blaze

Fighting a forest fire near Tetouan, Morocco has become an all-hands-on-deck situation, with both ground crews and Canadair aircraft actively working to extinguish the flames since early Saturday morning. The fire broke out in a forest area close to Mellalyène, prompting Moroccan authorities to initiate a comprehensive firefighting campaign to tackle the emergency. According to Fouad El Assali, director of Climate and Environmental Risks and Reforestation at the National Water and Forest Agency, the fire was first reported in the morning. Intense ground operations have been deployed alongside the support of four Canadair amphibious aircraft in order to manage the situation and ultimately curb the spread of the fire.

Morocco increases wildfire preparedness with funding and resources

A significant concern among authorities is the possibility of further flare-ups, as this particular region faces an increased risk of fires. Just a month prior, on July 15, the National Water and Forest Agency had urged local residents living near forested areas to remain vigilant, advising them to notify officials about any signs of smoke or unusual activities in their vicinity. In a proactive measure taken earlier this May, the Moroccan government allocated $17 million specifically for wildfire responses during the upcoming summer, an acknowledgment of the ongoing fire challenges the country faces. Recent statistics reveal that in 2024, Morocco dealt with 382 wildfires—a stark 82% decrease from the previous year—which helped minimize the area impacted by these fires.

Future investments aim to strengthen disaster response efforts

The forests of Morocco, which constitute around 12% of the country’s total land area, are particularly susceptible to wildfires exacerbated by both climatic changes and human carelessness. As Morocco endures another bout of firefighting efforts in the Houara Forest near Tangier, intense heat and strong winds have made containment tougher over the last few days. In light of these challenges, the government plans to invest a staggering 7 billion dirhams (approximately $760 million) aimed at bolstering emergency resources and disaster preparedness across the nation, a response that follows the devastating earthquake experienced in the High Atlas Mountains in 2023. This investment will hopefully enhance Morocco’s firefighting capabilities and disaster response in the future.

In conclusion, the ongoing firefighting efforts near Tetouan reflect the Moroccan government’s commitment to combating wildfires, as emergency responders utilize both ground and aerial resources to manage the situation. With a significant investment planned for the future focused on strengthening preparedness and response, Morocco aims to mitigate the challenges posed by both natural disasters and human negligence. Authorities emphasize vigilance among residents, which remains critical as climate conditions continue to evolve.