Morocco’s wildfire risk map: Which regions are most exposed and why

Morocco is facing another period of high wildfire danger, with hot and dry conditions leaving forests and vegetation more vulnerable to fires.

The latest forecast from the National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF) puts six provinces at extreme risk from Sept. 11 to 15: Fahs-Anjra, Tangier-Assilah, Taounate, Taza, Essaouira and Taroudant.

Another 24 provinces are under high risk, including Al Hoceima, Chefchaouen, Tetouan, Larache, Kenitra, Rabat, Salé, Khemisset, Azilal, Beni Mellal, Settat, Al Haouz and Agadir-Ida Ou Tanane.

Eight provinces are facing moderate risk: Driouch, Nador, Taourirt, Guercif, Meknes, Ifrane, Khenifra and Midelt.

The map shows that the highest risks are spread across the north, central regions and areas around the Atlas Mountains. But temperature alone does not determine risk.

ANEF uses weather models alongside information on forest types, how easily vegetation can catch fire, terrain and local climate conditions to produce its forecasts.

That matters because dry vegetation can act as fuel when temperatures rise and rainfall remains limited. Steep terrain can also make fires harder to contain and allow flames to spread quickly.

Morocco has faced years of drought and increasingly severe heat, putting additional pressure on its forests. The country has also recorded repeated heatwaves in recent years, with high temperatures drying out vegetation and raising the risk of fires.

Hotter and drier conditions can leave forests more exposed even when there is no active fire.

A province marked as extreme or high is considered more vulnerable to a fire starting and spreading under the conditions expected during the forecast period.

The agency is urging people to remain vigilant and take precautions to prevent fires, particularly in and around forested areas.