A forest fire that broke out in Larache province on Tuesday morning prompted the deployment of around 120 emergency personnel and three Canadair water-bombing aircraft as crews worked to prevent the flames from spreading to neighboring woodland.
The fire started at around 11am in parts of Tawla forest, in the rural commune of Zaaroura, along the road linking Beni Arous and Ksar El Kébir.
Trees and vegetation have been damaged in the mountainous forest area, although the full extent of the losses has yet to be established. The cause of the fire remains unknown.
Authorities in Larache mobilized teams from several services to tackle the blaze from different directions and contain it before it reached adjoining forest areas.
Three Canadair aircraft from the Royal Air Forces joined the operation, carrying out more than seven water-dropping sorties and releasing several tonnes of water over the affected areas.
(S.Kadry/Le360)
On the ground, Civil Protection crews were deployed with water tankers and all-terrain vehicles. They were joined by personnel from the National Agency for Water and Forests, local authorities, the Royal Gendarmerie and the Auxiliary Forces.
Local residents also took part in efforts to contain the fire.
Firefighting operations had been under way since midday Tuesday, with crews still working to bring the blaze under control at the time of reporting.
