Chefchaouen: Suspect arrested in massive Bab Taza forest fire

Wednesday 13 August 2025 - 15:30

The Royal Gendarmerie in Morocco’s Chefchaouen province has arrested a man suspected of involvement in the devastating forest fire that swept through the Bab Taza area, destroying vast stretches of vegetation.

According to judicial sources, the suspect was taken into custody on the orders of the public prosecutor at the Court of Appeal in Tetouan. Investigators are working to determine the exact circumstances and causes of the blaze.

Although no casualties have been reported, the environmental losses are significant. Since Tuesday evening, local authorities, the Royal Gendarmerie, and Civil Protection units have been deploying extensive human and material resources to contain the flames, despite extreme weather conditions with high temperatures and strong winds.

Three Canadair aircraft deployed
From Tuesday afternoon, three Canadair water-bombing planes have been operating over the Dardara forest, targeting multiple active hotspots. The Royal Armed Forces have also joined the firefighting efforts, supporting ground teams in the forested areas of Sidi Yarsoul and Akraat.

Priority: Protecting nearby communities
Ground forces — including Civil Protection, the Royal Gendarmerie, Auxiliary Forces, local authorities, and Forestry Department agents — have been reinforced by military units with advanced logistics to strengthen the firefighting operations.

Officials say the priority remains to protect nearby residents from potential danger. Coordinated aerial and ground interventions are expected to bring the blaze fully under control soon.

The northern regions of Chefchaouen and Tetouan are also battling other forest fires, notably in Ben Karrich and Granja. According to the European Copernicus program, the Mediterranean basin is currently facing “extreme” wildfire risks, with northern Morocco particularly vulnerable.