Morocco’s National Water and Forest Agency (ANEF) reported a significant drop in the number of wildfire incidents in 2024, compared to prior years, according to the agency’s latest figures, with this year’s fires impacting only 780 hectares, about one-seventh of the 6,100 hectares burned in 2023.
The agency recorded 270 fires nationwide from January 1 through August 31, 2024, giving an average rate of 2.9 hectares having been burned per fire.
Of the total surface area, woodlands with trees accounted for 55% (430 hectares) of the fires, while secondary species of flora and grassland constituted 45% (350 hectares).
Compared with 2022, the data for 2024 show a 40% reduction in fire outbreaks (375 fires), with a further 30% drop in 2023 (350 fires) and a 15% reduction on the ten-year average (2014-2023) which stood at 310 fires.
The area of wildfire damage for 2024 is estimated to be well below the ten-year average of 4,800 hectares, a more than five-fold decline, according to ANEF.
The statistics show a significant decrease in fire activity in 2024 compared to 2022. In 2024, the total terrain affected by the fire was 15 times less (45.6 ha/fire) and four times less than in 2023.
The number of hectares burnt in 2024 is 29 times lower than in 2022, a year that marked a record high of 22,490 hectares.
The Fes-Meknes region reported the highest number of fire outbreaks and hectares burned this year, with 40 outbreaks and 350 hectares affected. The Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region followed with 87 fires impacting 271 hectares, and the eastern region recorded a further 112 hectares affected.
The reduction in the number of fires compared to previous years could be attributed to a range of factors, including favorable weather conditions, rapid response to fire outbreaks, and the support of various partners, including the Ministry of the Interior, ANEF, Civil Protection, and the Royal Armed Forces, ANEF said.
The vast majority of fires (94%) resulted in no more than 5 hectares of land affected. Only two fires exceeded 100 hectares, with the largest being in Taza (162 ha) and Tetouan (156 ha).
The upgrade of aerial firefighting resources, including the acquisition of a seventh Canadair aircraft along with the strategic deployment of the aerial fleet, facilitated rapid intervention, protecting 19,000 hectares of forest. In addition, the government’s public awareness and vigilance campaigns have contributed to an increased public awareness of fire risk.
With wildfire season not quite over, however, ANEF continues to urge residents and workers in or near forests, as well as visitors, to use caution, avoid activities that could start fires, and immediately report all smoke or suspicious behavior to local authorities.
“Protecting our forest heritage is essential to maintaining its vital socio-economic and environmental role,” the agency concluded.