Firefighting teams in northern Morocco are continuing their battle against a major wildfire that has scorched approximately 500 hectares of forest and farmland in the Chefchaouen province, the national water and forests agency, ANEF, said.
The blaze, fueled by strong hot winds, broke out on Tuesday, August 12, around 2:00 pm in the rural commune of Derdara.
Authorities swiftly launched an emergency response involving civil protection units, the Royal Armed Forces, auxiliary forces, local authorities, ANEF reported.
Morocco deployed Canadair and Turbo Thrush water bombers to extinguish the fires. It has also sent some of its Canadairs to help Portugal.
However, the situation quickly worsened due to intense gusts of wind, which caused the fire to split into four separate fronts. Three of these have since been brought under control nearby villages, but one active zone remains.
Ground crews continue to work tirelessly to secure extinguished zones and prevent flare-ups.
Nearly 450 personnel have been deployed, along with significant logistical support. The affected area includes both forested land and adjacent agricultural fields.
