Morocco: Wildfires destroy 6600 hectares of forests as authorities control most blazes

Wildfires that have been raging over the last couple of days in different forests in northern Morocco have so far destroyed 6600 hectares, while efforts are underway with most blazes coming under control by July 17.

The national agency for water resources and forests said the wildfires broke out amid exceptional drought and a heatwave that hit the country.

The regions of Taza, Ouazzane, Chefchaouen, Tetouan and Larach have been the most hit in particular. Authorities relocated 1115 households from different villages in Larach as the flames neared inhabited areas. But now most residents have returned to their homes.

Some 2000 firefighters and soldiers were mobilized to extinguish the wildfires, in addition to the deployment of 5 Canadair water bombers and eight other airplanes by the Royal Gendarmerie.

Drones were also used to locate hotspots and improve firefighting efforts.