FOREX’26: Morocco Strengthens Its Preparedness for Wildfires with a Large-Scale National Exercise

As part of the National Integrated Forest Fire Management Master Plan, Morocco conducted a national simulation exercise named FOREX’26 on May 6, 2026. This operation took place in the Dar Chaoui forest areas within the Tanger-Assilah prefecture, just as the summer season approaches.

A Large-Scale National Exercise

FOREX’26 is part of a proactive approach aimed at enhancing preparedness, coordination, and response capabilities against forest fires.

The exercise involved a significant inter-institutional mobilization that included:

• the Ministry of the Interior,
• the Royal Armed Forces,
• the Royal Gendarmerie,
• the Royal Air Forces,
• Civil Protection,
• Auxiliary Forces,
• and the National Agency for Water and Forests.

A Simulation Close to Real Conditions

This operation allowed for testing the effectiveness of early warning systems and the smooth transmission of information among the various stakeholders.

It also tested:

• the responsiveness of on-ground teams,
• the interoperability of services,
• and the functioning of unified command during crisis situations.

More than 200 professionals participated in this exercise.

Mobilization of Ground and Air Resources

FOREX’26 was also marked by the deployment of significant logistical and operational resources, including an air fleet composed of:

• Canadair aircraft from the Royal Air Forces,
• and Turbo Thrush aircraft from the Royal Gendarmerie.

This mobilization illustrates the ongoing strengthening of the Kingdom’s intervention capacities in the face of forest fires.

A Tool for Continuous Evaluation and Improvement

Beyond its operational aspect, this exercise allowed for:

• identifying best practices,
• consolidating gains,
• and deriving strategic lessons to improve the national system.

Feedback from this experience will contribute to strengthening prevention and response mechanisms in a context affected by climate change.

A National Strategy for Forest Resilience

FOREX’26 is part of a comprehensive approach aimed at improving the resilience of Morocco’s forest heritage while protecting populations and enhancing environmental security.

With this national exercise, Morocco reaffirms its commitment to developing an integrated, proactive, and coordinated strategy to effectively combat forest fires and sustainably preserve its ecosystems.