Fire forest fire in northeast Morocco controlled

The forest fire which broke out Saturday night in mountains located in northeastern Morocco were finally controlled on Sunday afternoon, according to the Moroccan water and forest ministry.

Strong winds were blowing, complicating the work of the fire brigades who faced difficulties in accessing the mountainous region. The fire affected some 50 hectares of the 500 ha pine plantation and losses of wood are estimated at one million dh (around usd 103,000).

Morocco asked for the assistance of Spain which sent to the region fire-fighting aircraft and ground means, Map reported.

Vigilance units from the department of water and forests are securing an around-the-clock surveillance to prevent a resurgence of the fire. No details are available on the causes of the forest fire.