Morocco Battles Forest Blaze Near Tetouan as Canadair Planes Join Fight

• A forest fire near Tetouan, Morocco, has triggered emergency response.
• Ground crews are working alongside Canadair aircraft to battle the flames.
• The government allocated $17 million for wildfire readiness this summer.
• Wildfire incidents have notably decreased by 82% in 2024 compared to 2023.
• Morocco is investing heavily in disaster preparedness and emergency supplies.

Intensive firefighting efforts in Tetouan region

Forest fires continue to plague northern Morocco, with significant efforts now underway to combat a blaze near Tetouan. The fire broke out on Saturday morning in a forest area close to Mellalyène, prompting an organized response from both ground crews and Canadair aircraft. Officials confirmed that four Canadair amphibious planes are assisting in these firefighting efforts, which have been described as intensive by the National Water and Forest Agency’s director of Climate and Environmental Risks and Reforestation, Fouad El Assali. He stated that it is still too early to fully gauge the extent of the damage caused by the flames, although the situation appears serious.

In summary, northern Morocco is facing a considerable challenge due to ongoing forest fires, particularly near Tetouan. The government and firefighting agencies are mobilized, utilizing Canadair aircraft to tackle these flames, especially as previous wildfires this year experienced a marked decrease in frequency. As climate conditions and human activities continue to pose threats to the region’s forests, authorities are focused on both containment and future fire prevention strategies.