The Royal Armed Forces (FAR) play a central role in Morocco’s national wildfire response through the continuous mobilization of their aerial and human resources. Operating from the 3rd Air Base in Kenitra, a fleet comprising eight Canadair CL-415 amphibious aircraft, fifteen Turbo Thrush aircraft, and two EC225 Super Puma firefighting helicopters operated by the Royal Gendarmerie provides rapid intervention to contain forest fires and limit their spread.
This effort is part of a proactive national wildfire strategy that brings together the Royal Armed Forces, the Royal Gendarmerie, Auxiliary Forces, Civil Protection, local authorities, the National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF), the National Center for Forest Climate Risk Management, and the General Directorate of Meteorology.
The national response is based on a four-level intervention system designed to match resources with the severity of each incident. Ground crews handle first-level fires, while Canadair aircraft are deployed for larger outbreaks. Royal Gendarmerie helicopters reinforce aerial operations during more complex situations, and international assistance may be requested when necessary to protect lives, property, and forest ecosystems.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Badr Bourassi, commander of the wildfire-fighting squadron at the 3rd Air Base in Kenitra, the effectiveness of operations relies on the constant readiness of flight and technical crews, rapid response capabilities, and close coordination among all stakeholders. He noted that the squadron participates annually in Morocco’s national wildfire campaign and has also carried out international missions within the framework of cooperation with partner countries.
The Canadair CL-415 aircraft are capable of scooping more than 6,000 liters of water directly from the sea, reservoirs, or lakes in approximately 12 seconds before immediately returning to the fire zone. Designed for demanding operational environments, these amphibious aircraft can effectively access mountainous terrain and remote forest areas that are difficult to reach by other means.
The Royal Gendarmerie’s EC225 Super Puma helicopters are equipped with modern firefighting systems featuring an external tank capable of carrying around 2,500 liters of water or fire retardant, which can be refilled in just 20 seconds from nearby water sources. Meanwhile, the Turbo Thrush aircraft can carry between 2,000 and 2,500 liters with an endurance of approximately four and a half hours, further enhancing Morocco’s rapid aerial firefighting capabilities.
Beyond operational missions, the Royal Armed Forces place strong emphasis on preventive maintenance. Thanks to fully national expertise, major overhauls and periodic inspections ensure that the fleet remains fully operational while meeting the highest airworthiness and flight safety standards. This capability also reduces aircraft downtime and strengthens Morocco’s strategic autonomy in heavy aeronautical maintenance.
The national response is further supported by more than 2,800 forest rangers and lookout personnel deployed by the National Agency for Water and Forests, in addition to extensive ground resources provided by Civil Protection, the Royal Armed Forces, the Royal Gendarmerie, Auxiliary Forces, and local authorities.
Through this integrated approach—combining institutional coordination, advanced technology, specialized maintenance, and highly trained personnel—Morocco continues to strengthen its ability to protect forests, safeguard communities, and respond rapidly and effectively to the growing threat of wildfires.
