Forest fire spreads in northern Morocco near Chefchaouen

Canadair aircraft lead firefighting efforts amid strong winds

Despite intense winds, two Canadair water bombers were operational in the Chefchaouen province—home to around 400,000 people—to combat the spreading fire.

Media reports indicate that the fire is devastating large swathes of woodland between Bab Taza and Derdara and has caused heavy damage to orchards and fields near Karankha before advancing into nearby forests.

Wind-driven flames and catastrophic material damage

For two consecutive days, strong winds have been fueling the fire's spread. Local resident Aziz Makhlouf described the situation as "catastrophic," noting that the visible material damage appears extensive. He added that such a fire had not been witnessed in the area for the past 15 years, despite concerted efforts by authorities.

Visuals highlight scale and gravity of the blaze

Videos circulating online depict a smoke-filled sky, the eerie glow of flames across the mountains, and residents battling the fire using buckets—underscoring the dire and immediate nature of the crisis.

Widespread fires amid persistent drought and heatwaves

Additional fires have been reported near Tetouan and Tangier—other prominent tourist destinations—according to Moroccan media outlets and social media platforms. The region continues to suffer from prolonged drought since 2018, and this year’s heatwaves have been intensified by hot, desert winds known as chergui winds from the Sahara.