"The fire has been brought under control but we must remain vigilant," said High Commissioner of water and forests Abdeladim Lhafi.

Some 4,500 hectares (15 square miles) of woodland in the Izaren forest between the provinces of Sidi Kacem and Chefchaouen were affected by the fire, with almost half the area totally ravaged by the blaze which broke out on Monday.

There were no casualties of the blaze, according to the national civil protection agency.

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

TERRA.WIRE