Chefchaouen: Derdara Forest Fire Contained, Security Operations Continue
Forest Fire Successfully Contained in Chefchaouen Province
On Thursday, intervention teams managed to completely control the forest fire that broke out on Tuesday in the Derdara forest, located in Chefchaouen Province, as confirmed by Youssef Zarroqi, the provincial director of the National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF).
Despite this progress, efforts to combat the blaze will continue in the coming days to ensure its total extinguishment and to prevent any rekindling, Zarroqi stated in an interview with MAP.
He emphasized that from the moment the first flames appeared, a wide-ranging mobilization was initiated, bringing together provincial and local authorities, the Royal Armed Forces, the Royal Gendarmerie, civil protection services, forestry departments, and auxiliary forces.
The task faced by the teams was significantly complicated by extreme weather conditions, marked by low humidity, high temperatures, winds exceeding 40 km/h, and dense vegetation, he explained.
In light of these challenges, the priority was to protect human lives, homes, and forest heritage. To this end, “Canadair” aircraft from the Royal Air Force, along with “Turbo Trush” planes from the Royal Gendarmerie, were deployed to bolster ground efforts.
By Tuesday, three of the four main hotspots had been brought under control, and intensified efforts on Wednesday helped contain nearly 80% of the fire, leading to its total control by Thursday.
Finally, the official issued a call for vigilance to citizens, residents, and visitors to the region, urging them to adopt responsible behaviors regarding the heightened fire risks, particularly during this summer period, which is characterized by intense heat and increased tourist activity.
