Intensive field efforts to contain a massive forest fire in Chefchaouen province

Field mobilization in Chefchaouen province to contain a massive forest fire

A massive forest fire broke out yesterday evening, Friday, in the “Abrouj” area, under the Bab Al-Qarn forest sector in the Bab Taza district of Chefchaouen province, causing significant environmental damage in the region.

Vegetation loss and extensive human mobilization

According to informed sources, the flames have so far consumed approximately 110 hectares of forest cover, primarily consisting of maritime pine, beech, and holm oak, fortunately with no loss of life reported.

Following this incident, a state of maximum alert was declared under the direct supervision of the Governor of Chefchaouen Province, Mr. Zakaria Hachlaf, mobilizing a significant workforce of 362 field personnel.

This includes 160 elements from the Royal Armed Forces, 50 from the Auxiliary Forces, 45 from the National Agency for Water and Forests, 30 from the National Promotion, 25 from Civil Protection, 12 from local authorities, in addition to 40 volunteers from the local population.

Terrain difficulties and intensive aerial intervention

Intervention teams are facing significant difficulties in accessing the fire hotspots due to the rugged terrain. A fleet of tanker trucks and primary intervention vehicles is being used, supported by intensive aerial intervention during which “Canadair” aircraft have carried out over 40 sorties to extinguish the fire.

Efforts are still ongoing as of this writing to fully control the fire, alongside the opening of an investigation to determine the causes and circumstances of its outbreak.