A major fire broke out Friday afternoon near the former headquarters of the Royal Armed Forces in Ribate El Kheir, in Sefrou province. Fanned by strong winds and high temperatures, the flames quickly spread to the outskirts of several neighborhoods, causing significant material damage. Civil Protection teams, supported by local authorities, security forces, and volunteer residents, continued firefighting operations into the evening in an effort to contain the blaze. No casualties were reported.
The cause of the fire remains unknown. Following the first reports, Civil Protection teams were dispatched to the scene, assisted by local authorities, the Auxiliary Forces, the Royal Gendarmerie, and numerous volunteers who helped prevent the flames from reaching residential areas.
Emergency services and volunteers mobilize after a fire broke out on Friday, July 17, 2026, in Ribate El Kheir, Sefrou province. (Y. Jaoual/Le360)
According to information obtained by Le360, weather conditions significantly hampered firefighting efforts. Strong winds combined with intense heat accelerated the spread of the fire, expanding its perimeter and making emergency operations particularly difficult.
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Preliminary assessments indicate significant material damage. The fire destroyed part of the forest cover and surrounding areas. However, thanks to the rapid response and coordination among the various services involved, the flames did not reach the most densely populated residential areas, preventing any loss of life.
Residents remain on alert as they await a return to normal. The competent authorities are expected to open an investigation to determine the cause of the fire and assess the full extent of the damage.
