Forest fires in Morocco: several provinces on alert until 15 September

This update focuses on Morocco forest fire risk. Morocco’s National Agency for Water and Forests warns that several provinces face extreme and high forest fire risks between 11 and 15 September 2026, information that also matters to Moroccans living abroad planning visits or returns to the country.

Morocco forest fire risk: the most exposed provinces

According to the updated bulletin published by the National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF), Morocco is entering several days with a high level of forest fire danger.

Extreme fire risks have been identified in the following provinces:

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

High fire risks affect a wide area, including:

• Al Hoceïma, Chefchaouen, Larache, Ouezzane
• Tétouan, M’Diq-Fnideq
• El Hajeb, Sefrou, Moulay Yacoub
• Kénitra, Sidi Kacem, Sidi Slimane, Khémisset
• Rabat, Salé, Skhirate-Témara
• Azilal, Béni Mellal
• Benslimane, Settat, Mohammadia, Nouaceur
• Al Haouz, Agadir-Ida-Ou-Tanane

A moderate risk of forest fires is also reported in the provinces of Driouch, Nador, Taourirt, Guercif, Meknès, Ifrane, Khénifra and Midelt.

A scientific early warning system

To define these danger levels, ANEF relies on scientific models and mapping tools that identify the most exposed areas across the country.

This Morocco forest fire risk assessment takes into account several key factors:

• the types of forests and vegetation cover;
• how combustible and flammable the forest cover is;
• topographical and climatic conditions such as relief and weather.

This system helps anticipate forest fires, better target prevention efforts and support the work of firefighting and civil protection teams on the ground.

Advice for residents and visitors

In this context of elevated Morocco forest fire risk, ANEF calls for increased vigilance during the 11–15 September 2026 period.

The Agency urges people to take all necessary precautions to avoid starting fires, especially near wooded areas.

Risky behaviour to avoid is well known:

• lighting campfires or cooking fires in or near forests;
• throwing cigarette butts or flammable waste in nature;
• burning vegetation or rubbish in the open air, even at the edge of fields.

Authorities also stress how important it is to report any suspicious smoke or fire outbreak immediately to the relevant services.

What this means for Moroccans abroad

For Moroccans living abroad who are visiting the country, these alerts call for extra care when travelling, especially towards forested regions in the north, centre and south-west.

Families who own holiday homes near forests or rural areas are encouraged to check the surroundings of their properties, limit the use of fire outdoors and follow local safety guidance.

It is also advisable to keep track of bulletins from ANEF and other competent authorities, through their official online channels, before any nature excursion or leisure activity in wooded areas.

Useful information and contacts are available on Moroccan public institution portals and the websites of ministries and specialised agencies.

During periods of heightened risk, everyone’s caution, including that of visitors, is essential to protect the country’s forests and nearby communities.

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

For official updates, readers can check the relevant official source.