Wildfires: six Moroccan provinces on red alert until 15 September

This update focuses on Morocco wildfire alert. Morocco has placed six provinces on maximum wildfire alert until 15 September, a strong warning for residents, tourists and Moroccans returning home for holidays.

Morocco wildfire alert for six provinces

In its forecast bulletin for 11–15 September 2026, the National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF) has classified six provinces at red alert, meaning an extreme risk of wildfire ignition.

This maximum vigilance covers the provinces of:

• Fahs-Anjra
• Tanger-Assilah
• Taounate
• Taza
• Essaouira
• Taroudant

According to ANEF, this Morocco wildfire alert is based on a model that combines vegetation flammability, local topography and short-term weather forecasts.

Twenty-four more provinces face high risk

Beyond the red alert areas, the bulletin also points to a high fire risk in 24 other provinces and prefectures, mainly in the north, central regions and along the Atlantic coast.

A further eight provinces are classified as medium risk. Together, these levels confirm a tense situation over a large part of the country, driven by heat, drought and, in some areas, strong winds.

For Moroccans living abroad planning a trip home, family visits or road journeys through forested areas, this context should be taken into account when choosing routes, activities and rental locations.

Safety advice for locals, travellers and Moroccans abroad

Given these critical conditions, the National Agency for Water and Forests is urging people living near forests, road users and visitors to exercise maximum caution.

ANEF’s recommendations include:

• avoiding any action that could spark a fire, such as campfires, barbecues, burning waste or throwing cigarette butts on the ground;
• postponing picnics or gatherings in exposed wooded areas during windy or very hot days;
• immediately reporting any smoke, early-stage fire or suspicious behaviour to the local authorities;
• strictly respecting any closures of forest tracks, picnic spots or access roads decided by the authorities.

For families from the diaspora travelling by car, or renting houses close to forests, Morocco’s wildfire alert means being extra careful when choosing itineraries and outdoor activities. Checking local conditions before travelling and staying informed through official channels is key throughout this period.

Protecting Morocco’s forests, a shared responsibility

Wildfires in Morocco have become more frequent in recent years, with heavy human, economic and environmental costs. The current Morocco wildfire alert underlines the vulnerability of forest areas and the shared responsibility of everyone who uses them.

For Moroccans abroad, who are often deeply attached to their home regions and forests, this alert is also a reminder to raise awareness among relatives back home. Reducing fire risks helps protect villages, roads, farmland and the natural landscapes they come back to every summer.

Authorities are calling on the public to follow official bulletins and strictly observe local instructions for the entire alert period, at least until 15 September.

Returning Moroccans can also consult practical guidance and official services dedicated to Moroccans abroad via the official government portal, to better integrate safety and environmental considerations into their travel plans.

For more context, readers can follow Canal212 news for Moroccans abroad.