فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
The National Agency for Water and Forests has reported positive results in the fight against forest fires during the 2024 season, with a significant reduction in the areas affected. The agency revealed that burned forestland this season did not exceed 874 hectares—an 86% decrease compared to last year, which saw 6,426 hectares destroyed.
According to data presented during the meeting of the Steering Committee for Forest Fire Prevention and Control, held Thursday in Rabat, a total of 382 forest fires were recorded this season. The agency noted that secondary grasses and seasonal vegetation were the most affected, accounting for around 45% of the burned areas, highlighting the diversity of environmental factors involved in these fires.
The agency emphasized that these results represent an 82% drop in burned areas compared to the ten-year annual average, reflecting the strong success of current prevention and containment strategies.
Geographically, all regions of the country experienced wildfires to varying degrees. The Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region recorded the highest number of fires, with 123 incidents affecting 346 hectares—around 32% of all fires nationwide. However, in terms of area burned, the Fès-Meknès region (particularly Taza, Taounate, Sefrou, and Ifrane) was the hardest hit, with 357 hectares affected—accounting for 41% of the total burned area across the country.
These encouraging results are attributed to several key factors, primarily favorable weather conditions in forest areas during the summer months, which helped reduce fire outbreaks. Preventive strategies, particularly rapid intervention efforts, were also crucial, with 95% of fires contained before reaching 5 hectares in size.
The report also highlighted the impact of awareness campaigns organized by the agency on National Forest Fire Awareness Day (May 21). Approximately 27,000 students and visitors participated in activities held across 240 schools and 100 urban forests. These campaigns have helped boost public awareness about fire prevention and forest conservation.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, the agency announced a dedicated budget of 160 million dirhams to improve wildfire prevention resources. This includes strengthening patrols, maintaining forest paths, establishing water points, and acquiring new rapid response vehicles.
In conclusion, these findings underscore the effectiveness of Morocco’s national strategies in preventing forest fires, raising hopes for an even safer and more successful approach to managing this environmental threat in the future.
Source: Fes News Media
