فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Fes News – Follow-up
The National Agency for Water and Forests announced on Friday, June 21, 2025, the occurrence of eight new fires in the past 24 hours, six of which broke out in forested areas and two outside those zones. Approximately 20 hectares of forest land were affected, including 15 hectares in the province of Tetouan, which saw the most extensive fire.
The agency confirmed that swift and coordinated interventions by its specialized teams led to the full containment of these fires, although efforts continue to extinguish some smoke pockets, particularly in rugged mountainous terrain.
Damage by Province:
- Tetouan: 15 hectares
- Khenifra: 3.5 hectares
- Chefchaouen: 1.1 hectares
- Khemisset: 0.095 hectares
- Midelt: 10 square meters (caused by a natural lightning strike)
- Casablanca: 0.02 hectares
- Taza and Sidi Slimane: Fires occurred outside forest areas
This update comes as Morocco records a noticeable decline in wildfire occurrences compared to previous years. Since the beginning of the year, a total of 111 fires have been reported — lower than the decadal average of 130 for the same period. The total burned area amounts to approximately 130 hectares, which is four times less than the annual average over the past decade.
Preemptive Warnings and Calls for Caution
On June 15, the agency issued a preventive alert bulletin, warning of high to extreme wildfire risk in the provinces of Azilal, Beni Mellal, Kenitra, Khemisset, Chefchaouen, Tangier-Asilah, Taounate, Taza, Al Hoceima, Ouezzane, Nador, and others.
Citizens, vacationers, and travelers in forest areas were urged to exercise maximum caution, strictly avoid lighting fires or discarding cigarette butts, and immediately report any smoke or suspicious behavior to forest authorities or civil protection services.
“Forest Protection is a Collective Responsibility”
The agency concluded its statement by emphasizing that “protecting forests is not just an institutional duty, but a national and collective responsibility.” Moroccan forests are considered a vital natural and strategic asset, playing a key role in preserving ecological balance and ensuring the country’s water and economic security.
Source: Fes News
