Morocco’s forestry agency placed parts of the Rabat region and the country’s north under the highest wildfire alert level on Tuesday as rising temperatures and dense vegetation growth after months of heavy rain raised fears of an early fire season.
The National Agency for Water and Forests said Kenitra, Khemisset, Rabat, Salé and Skhirat Témara faced an “extreme” risk of forest fires through Friday, while high alert levels were also issued for Chefchaouen, Fahs Anjra, Tangier Assilah, Ifrane, Taounate, Essaouira and Agadir Ida Outanane.
Authorities in northern provinces have already moved into heightened readiness after unusually strong spring rainfall accelerated vegetation growth across forests and mountainous areas that had been weakened by years of drought.
In Tangier, Tetouan and Chefchaouen, awareness campaigns were launched in forests, parks and tourist zones ahead of the Eid holiday period, when large numbers of visitors traditionally head toward wooded and coastal areas, according to local officials and Moroccan media reports.
The agency said its forecasts were based on scientific analysis combining vegetation density, flammability levels, weather forecasts and topographical conditions.
Morocco has intensified wildfire prevention efforts in recent years as Mediterranean countries face longer and more volatile fire seasons linked to climate extremes. Northern Morocco remains the country’s most exposed zone because of its dense forest cover, rugged terrain and strong summer winds.
Earlier this spring authorities staged a large scale wildfire simulation exercise near Tangier involving civil protection teams, military units and Canadair aircraft in preparation for what officials expect could be a difficult summer season.
The warning also comes weeks after Morocco marked its national wildfire awareness day on May 21, part of broader efforts to reduce human caused fires, which account for the overwhelming majority of outbreaks recorded each year.
The agency urged residents, forest workers and holidaymakers to avoid activities that could trigger fires and to immediately report smoke or suspicious activity to local authorities.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.