Moroccan authorities are fighting to contain wildfires that have raged through Tangier’s Houara Forest for four consecutive days, driven by high temperatures and gusty winds.
The blazes, which began on Monday, had scorched 85 hectares (210 acres) by mid-afternoon Thursday, according to Osman El-Azzaoui of the National Agency of Water and Forests. Efforts to fully douse the flames have been hampered by strong winds and soaring temperatures, despite aerial water drops.
The Moroccan army, Royal Gendarmerie, Civil Protection and Auxiliary Forces have all been mobilised to battle the fires.
Morocco has earmarked about $17 million to bolster its forest fire response this summer. Last year, the country reported 382 forest fires, marking an 82% decrease from 2023. Those fires, however, still damaged 874 hectares, mostly of secondary vegetation.
Forests cover roughly 12% of Morocco and face the persistent threat of seasonal wildfires.