More than 500 emergency personnel in Larache province continued firefighting operations for a second consecutive day on Wednesday to contain a forest fire in the Taoula forest, in the Zaaroura commune. Teams are racing to prevent the flames from spreading further after the fire initially affected around 50 hectares of woodland.
By Wednesday morning, crews had surrounded the fire and contained it from several directions, despite difficult access along mountainous tracks and strong, dry easterly winds. The operation is being led on the ground by the provincial governor, with the participation of Civil Protection, the Auxiliary Forces, the Royal Gendarmerie and water and forestry services, supported by local authorities and residents.
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Ground crews are receiving crucial aerial support from two Canadair aircraft operated by the Royal Moroccan Air Force. The aircraft have carried out more than 15 firefighting sorties since Tuesday afternoon, using the reservoir at Dar Khroufa Dam as a strategic water-refilling point to sustain repeated interventions.
On the ground, teams are using water tankers and logistical support equipment to tackle active fire pockets and hot spots in dense woodland, coordinating their efforts with aerial water drops to prevent the flames from reigniting.
Field reports indicate that the fire could be declared fully under control in the coming hours, following the successful containment operation and a reduction in the intensity of the fire fronts, thanks to the sustained efforts of rescue teams and coordination between ground and air crews.
