A massive wildfire is currently threatening the picturesque tourist city of Chefchaouen in northern Morocco.
This disaster is being fueled by a severe drought and extreme heat, which have already caused significant environmental damage.
Local media reports, as cited by AFP, indicate that two Canadair firefighting aircraft are working tirelessly to combat the blaze in Chefchaouen Province, “despite strong winds.” However, the full extent of the fire, including damage, casualties, or any evacuation orders, has yet to be confirmed.
According to Le360, a local news outlet, the flames have ravaged large forested areas between the towns of Bab Taza and Dardara, causing heavy damage to nearby orchards and farmland. The strong winds in northern Morocco are only making the situation worse, accelerating the fire’s spread.
Residents are describing the situation as catastrophic. “The material damage seems to be extensive. I haven’t witnessed a fire like this in about 15 years,” shared one local. Videos making the rounds on social media depict skies choked with smoke, while residents desperately try to control the flames with buckets of water.
On Wednesday, Moroccan news outlets also reported additional wildfires near the cities of Tetouan and Tangier. Much like several regions in Europe, Morocco is grappling with extreme heat, and when combined with drought and high winds, the conditions are just right for these fast-moving wildfires.
