RABAT / Anadolu

The number of forest fires that broke out in Morocco from the beginning of the year until July 20 reached 310, according to Moroccan authorities announced on Tuesday.

These fires come as the kingdom experiences a severe heatwave and record-high temperatures.

The statement was issued by the National Agency for Water and Forests, and Anadolu Agency viewed it.

The statement added, "Forest fires since the beginning of this year have burned an area estimated at 1,850 hectares."

It continued: "While the number of fires increased by approximately 32 percent compared to the same period last year, the area burned decreased by about 30 percent, from 2,660 hectares to only 1,850 hectares."

According to the agency, "The notable decrease in the areas affected by fire reflects the effectiveness of the prevention and intervention system implemented by various stakeholders."

It clarified that "The speed of monitoring, reporting, and coordinated field intervention allowed the containment of the vast majority of fires in their early stages, before they could spread."

The agency reported that "During the period from July 13 to 19, 20 forest fires were recorded nationwide, burning a total area estimated at 670 hectares."

Morocco relies on an early warning system to assess forest fire risks, managed by the National Agency for Water and Forests, and issued periodically based on climatic conditions and vegetation cover status.

The red level indicates extreme danger of fire ignition, while the orange level indicates high danger, requiring tightened precautionary measures and avoidance of fire-causing activities.

The warnings coincided with an alert bulletin issued by the General Directorate of Meteorology regarding a severe heatwave during which temperatures may reach 46 degrees Celsius in some areas.

Despite the increase in the number of fires, authorities have managed to reduce the burned areas thanks to improved intervention and monitoring speed. This decline indicates the effectiveness of the national prevention system, but continued high temperatures require vigilance. The authorities are expected to continue strengthening early warning and field intervention measures to address any new fires.