They reported that more than 4,000 hectares (15 square miles) of woodland in the Izaren forest between the provinces of Sidi Kacem and Chefchaouen had been destroyed, double the amount the previous day.

Winds from the desert, a heatwave and the type of vegetation are complicating the operation to douse the blaze, said staff at Ouezzane, where the operation is being coordinated.

Aircraft from Spain and France have joined three Moroccan water-dumping Canadair planes and four light aircraft in the battle to save the forests. Portugal has sent a team of firefighters.

King Mohammed VI earlier issued an international appeal for help in fighting the fire.

TERRA.WIRE