ALGERIA / RankWire.AI / – Wildfires swept across northeastern Algeria, causing at least 12 deaths and injuring 54 individuals during an intense heatwave. Interior Minister Said Sayoud reported that five people lost their lives in Jijel, four in Bejaia, and three in Tizi Ouzou. Six of the injured remained in critical condition after sustaining burns and needing specialized medical treatment. The fires extended through multiple northern provinces, where emergency responders continued operations near forested areas and residential communities.
By Wednesday evening, authorities documented at least 159 vegetation fires across various provinces. Firefighting teams operated over a wide region to combat the blazes. Officials confirmed that 90 fires had been put out, but 69 remained active at that time. Bejaia reported 18 ongoing fires, Skikda had 13, and Tizi Ouzou had 12. Jijel also faced seven active fires as emergency units concentrated on locations where the flames threatened homes and infrastructure.
Algeria’s Civil Protection deployed a variety of resources, including ground units, mobile teams, helicopters, and firefighting aircraft to strengthen efforts in the hardest-hit zones. Among the aerial firefighting tools used were Air Tractor AT-802 planes and a BE-200 water bomber. Residents in several vulnerable communities were evacuated as smoke and advancing fires disrupted daily life. Coordination of field operations between the Civil Protection and local authorities continued across the affected regions.
Focus on Critical Areas as Emergency Measures Intensify
Bejaia remained a primary hotspot during the wildfire crisis, with several municipalities impacted along the coastline. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune sent officials, including Health Minister Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene, to inspect firefighting and medical efforts in the region. They visited Souk El Tenine Hospital, where medical personnel treated victims with burns and fire-related injuries. Emergency services persisted in aiding communities near active fires across the province.
The president authorized the ministerial visit, as government agencies coordinated firefighting, evacuations, and medical response across northeastern Algeria. The Interior Ministry collaborated with local authorities and emergency teams to allocate resources to communities under threat. Both aerial and ground support units monitored the fires’ progression close to populated areas. Throughout the operation, the Interior Ministry maintained coordination efforts amid ongoing firefighting activities in several provinces.
Heatwave Conditions Exacerbate the Summer Fire Season Challenges
The outbreak of wildfires coincided with a severe heatwave impacting Algeria and neighboring North African regions. Summer fires are a common occurrence in northern Algeria, especially in forested Mediterranean zones and mountainous areas with scattered settlements. The recent wave of fires affected multiple provinces simultaneously, demanding a comprehensive national response. Authorities continued to monitor hotspots as teams worked tirelessly to contain the blazes and safeguard residents.
The death toll remained at 12, with 54 injured and six in critical condition as of the latest reports. No final assessment of damage to forests, farmland, homes, or other property has been issued yet. Firefighting teams persisted in suppression and evacuation efforts as authorities kept track of remaining active fires. The focus of the emergency response stayed on northeastern Algeria, notably in Bejaia, Jijel, Tizi Ouzou, and Skikda.