Record-Breaking Heat Wave Sparks Widespread Forest Fires Across Morocco

According to the meteorological authorities of the Department of Water and Forests, the exceptional heat wave from July 9 to 11, 2021 caused the triggering of 20 simultaneous fires across the Kingdom that burned 1,200 hectares of forests in 10 provinces, reports MAP.

"Our country has experienced an unprecedented heat wave, having recorded temperature records (46-50°C) and violent chergui winds across all regions of the Kingdom. During the three days from July 9 to 11, 2021, these extreme weather conditions contributed to the triggering and spread of 20 simultaneous forest fires nationwide. These fires totaled an overall burned area of 1,200 ha," the department’s note states.

The largest damaged areas were recorded in the province of Sefrou at the level of the rural commune of Ighezrane (Ribate Al Kheir), for 350 ha, and in the rural commune Laânaceur (Dayat Iffer), for 470 ha. The burned forest species consist mainly of maritime pine, thuya, holm oak, Aleppo pine and secondary species.

Nearly 736 people were mobilized, belonging to Civil Protection, the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), the Royal Gendarmerie, the MAPMDREF, the Royal Air Forces (FRA), the Auxiliary Forces, and the Local Authorities. In addition to the resources deployed by the state services, there was citizen mobilization and from local authorities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the local population.

The fire mobilized nearly 95 land (fire trucks, first response vehicles, ambulances, ATVs, earthmoving equipment, tractors, etc.) and air (2 Canadair bomber aircraft from the FRA) intervention vehicles and aircraft.

No loss of human life is to be deplored, nor any significant damage to the property of the population. While 53,800 hectares were threatened by the Sefrou fires, only 1.5% was damaged, or 820 ha.