Morocco has significantly reduced wildfire incidents and burned areas in 2024, reports the National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF).
A total of 270 wildfires were recorded across the country from January 1 to August 31, 2024, affecting 780 hectares. This is a remarkable decrease compared to 2023 when 6,100 hectares were burned, making the 2024 figure seven times lower.
Forested areas made up 55% of the total burned area, while secondary species and herbs accounted for 45%.
The 2024 data shows a 40% reduction in fire outbreaks compared to 2022 and a 30% decrease compared to 2023. The burned area per fire in 2024 was 15 times smaller than in 2022 and four times smaller than in 2023.
The Fes-Meknes in the northeastern region was the most affected, with 40 fires and 350 hectares burned, followed by Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima in North Morocco.
Favorable weather conditions and an early fire attack strategy contributed to this improvement, according to ANEF.
In total, 94% of the fires were contained before spreading over 5 hectares, with only two fires exceeding 100 hectares.
A seventh Canadair aircraft and the strategic deployment of the aerial fleet played a crucial role in limiting the impact of major fires.
Public awareness campaigns, such as those featured on National Forest Fire Awareness Day, helped strengthen collective vigilance.
Morocco now boasts the lowest burned area rate in the Mediterranean, outperforming countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece.
ANEF urges forest users to remain vigilant in September, a high-risk period, to protect the forests’ vital socio-economic and environmental roles.