Fires in Morocco: Preparing for the 2026 Campaign
The National Executive Committee for the prevention and fight against forest fires convened in Rabat at the headquarters of the National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF), under the leadership of its director-general, Abderrahim Houmy. This strategic meeting marks a pivotal moment in the preparation for the summer 2026 campaign.
A Promising Yet Mixed Assessment for 2025
The meeting provided an opportunity to establish a detailed assessment of the year 2025, which witnessed 418 fires affecting 1,728 hectares.
This area represents a significant decrease of 65% compared to the average of the last ten years, reflecting the effectiveness of preventive and intervention measures.
However, the region of Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima remains the most affected, accounting for:
- 40% of fire outbreaks
- 89% of the burned area
Moreover, 94% of the fires were contained before exceeding 5 hectares, despite two major fires occurring in Chefchaouen in August.
Increased Risks Linked to Climate Conditions
Moroccan forest ecosystems remain vulnerable, particularly during the summer period.
Several exacerbating factors have been identified:
- Rising temperatures
- Decreased humidity
- Warm winds known as “chergui”
These conditions promote the rapid spread of fires, intensified by the effects of climate change.
A Coordinated National Mobilization
In response to these challenges, Morocco relies on strengthened coordination among various stakeholders:
- Ministry of the Interior
- National Agency for Water and Forests
- Civil Protection
- Royal Gendarmerie
- Royal Armed Forces and Auxiliary Forces
This mobilization has helped limit damage despite a Mediterranean context marked by a significant increase in fires, notably in Spain and Portugal.
A Budget of 150 Million Dirhams for 2026
In anticipation of the 2026 campaign, the ANEF has allocated a total budget of 150 million dirhams.
This program includes several structural actions:
- Maintenance of firebreak trenches
- Development of water points
- Opening and rehabilitation of forest tracks
- Preventive silviculture
- Strengthening human and material resources
The goal is to anticipate risks, particularly due to abundant vegetation biomass following recent rainfall.
Awareness and Citizen Responsibility
The ANEF continues its awareness efforts, recognizing that most fires are of human origin.
In 2025, nearly 35,000 people were educated through campaigns conducted in schools and forest areas.
The dissemination of risk bulletins also contributes to enhancing citizens’ vigilance.
A Major National Issue
In light of these challenges, authorities are calling for collective mobilization to protect the national forest heritage.
It is recommended to:
- Avoid all use of fire during the summer
- Quickly report any fire outbreak
- Adopt responsible behaviors in forest areas
The preservation of forests is a crucial issue for Morocco’s sustainable development, both environmentally and economically.
