ON Saturday, Moroccan authorities continued efforts to control a wildfire that has ravaged the Afous oasis in the southeastern Errachidia province, affecting a large area of palm trees but fortunately not resulting in any injuries.
A local official, who requested anonymity due to media restrictions, informed Anadolu that firefighting teams are actively working to manage the situation.
The fire started on Friday, though the full extent of the damage has yet to be assessed.
This response comes as Morocco remains vigilant against wildfires due to rising temperatures.
On July 5, officials warned residents living near forests in 12 provinces to remain cautious through July 12, following the National Agency for Water and Forests’ extreme wildfire alerts.
The agency classified the most severe risk level, marked in red, for forests in 12 of the country’s 75 provinces.
Morocco employs an early warning system to evaluate wildfire threats based on weather and vegetation conditions. A red alert signifies an extreme fire risk, while an orange alert indicates high risk that necessitates increased precautions.
In 2025, wildfires consumed 1,728 hectares (4,270 acres) of forest across Morocco, with grasses and seasonal vegetation comprising 45% of the area affected.
The alerts coincide with a heat wave predicted by the national meteorological authority, with temperatures potentially soaring to 46 °C (114.8 °F) in certain regions.
