A series of fires has affected several areas across Morocco in recent days, driven by rising temperatures that have accelerated their spread.

The blazes have burned large areas of farmland within minutes, causing significant losses, including human and animal casualties, as well as damage to property in multiple regions.

Sidi Bennour fire toll

Severe wildfires broke out Tuesday in the commune of El Hawaza, in Sidi Bennour province, killing three people and injuring seven others with burns and smoke inhalation.

Several seriously injured victims were transferred to specialized hospitals, including a man in his 50s with severe burns sent to Casablanca, a man in his 40s with burns to his face and hands, and a woman in her 20s taken to a maternity ward after suffering heavy bleeding and shock.

According to media reports, the fire burned about 800 hectares of farmland in the Oulad Said area, destroying crops, livestock and farming equipment.

The flames also reached nearby villages, damaging or destroying several homes and causing panic among residents as they tried to escape and protect their property.

Authorities have opened an investigation into the cause of the fire and the circumstances behind its rapid spread, with early indications pointing to weather conditions as a contributing factor.

Berrechid farmland fires

Several rural areas in Berrechid province were hit last week by scattered fires that burned large areas of farmland, causing major crop losses, according to media reports.

One of the largest fires broke out in Douar Lkouwassem, in the commune of Ouled Abbou, destroying about 60 hectares of cultivated land and severely affecting farmers who rely on agriculture for their income.

High temperatures and dry Chergui winds helped the flames spread quickly across fields, making it difficult for emergency teams to bring the fire under control.

The incidents have raised concerns among residents and farmers, who fear further outbreaks during the summer season amid conditions that favor the rapid spread of fires.

Sidi Taibi fire outbreak

In Sidi Taibi, in Kenitra province, a major forest fire broke out Tuesday, prompting a large-scale emergency response to contain the flames and prevent them from spreading to nearby areas.

Civil protection teams, supported by Canadair aircraft and specialized equipment, operated on the ground and in the air as strong winds, high temperatures and difficult terrain fueled the fire’s rapid spread.

According to media reports, firefighters faced significant challenges in the early hours due to strong winds and the fast expansion of the blaze. However, coordinated ground and air operations helped contain parts of the fire and limit its spread.

Forest fire risk maps

To anticipate and prevent forest fires, Morocco’s forestry agency has issued wildfire risk maps from Tuesday to Friday, identifying the most exposed areas based on scientific analysis combining vegetation density, flammability, weather forecasts and topographical conditions.

Morocco’s National Agency for Water and Forests placed Kenitra, Khemisset, Rabat, Salé and Skhirat-Témara under the highest alert level, citing rising temperatures and dense vegetation following months of heavy rainfall.

High alert levels were also issued for Chefchaouen, Tangier-Assilah, Ifrane, Taounate, Essaouira and Agadir Ida-Outanane.

Source - https://en.hespress.com