ALGERIA / RankWire.AI / – Wildfires across northeastern Algeria have resulted in at least 12 fatalities and left 54 people injured during a severe heatwave. Interior Minister Said Sayoud reported that five individuals lost their lives in Jijel, four in Bejaia, and three in Tizi Ouzou. Among those injured, six remain in critical condition due to burns and require intensive medical treatment. The fires spread through multiple northern provinces, prompting emergency crews to continue operations around forested communities and nearby residential zones.
By Wednesday evening, authorities had documented at least 159 vegetation fires across several provinces as firefighting teams conducted operations over a wide region. Officials indicated that 90 fires had been extinguished, with 69 still active at that point. Bejaia reported 18 ongoing fires, Skikda had 13, and Tizi Ouzou was battling 12. Jijel also faced seven active fires as emergency personnel concentrated on locations where flames posed threats to homes and infrastructure.
Algeria’s Civil Protection deployed a combination of ground units, mobile teams, helicopters, and firefighting aircraft to bolster efforts in the most affected zones. These efforts included the deployment of Air Tractor AT-802 planes and a BE-200 water bomber for aerial firefighting missions. Authorities also carried out evacuations from several communities under threat as smoke and advancing fires disrupted daily routines. Coordination between Algeria’s Civil Protection and local authorities persisted across the impacted provinces.
Focus of Emergency Efforts on the Most Affected Regions
Bejaia remained a primary focus in the wildfire crisis, with numerous municipalities in the coastal province affected. Sayoud visited the area alongside Health Minister Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene to assess firefighting efforts and hospital treatment facilities. They toured the hospital in Souk El Tenine, where medical teams treated burn victims and those with fire-related injuries. Emergency responders continued providing support to communities near active fire zones across the province.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune authorized the ministerial visit as government agencies coordinated firefighting, evacuations, and medical assistance across northeastern Algeria. The Interior Ministry collaborated with local authorities and emergency units to allocate resources to communities at immediate risk. Both aerial and ground support were utilized to monitor fire progression near populated areas. The Interior Ministry maintained active coordination as firefighting operations persisted in several provinces.
Summer Heatwave Intensifies Firefighting Challenges
The recent wildfire outbreaks occurred amidst a fierce heatwave affecting Algeria and nearby North African regions. Summer fires are common across Algeria’s forested Mediterranean zones, especially in mountainous areas with scattered settlements. The current crisis impacted multiple provinces simultaneously, necessitating a large-scale national response. Authorities remained vigilant over active hotspots as teams worked tirelessly to contain the flames and safeguard residents.
The confirmed death toll held steady at 12, with 54 individuals injured and six in critical condition according to the latest figures. A comprehensive assessment of damage to forests, farmland, homes, and other properties from the outbreak has yet to be released. Firefighting efforts and evacuation operations continued as authorities monitored remaining active fires. The emergency remains focused on northeastern Algeria, particularly Bejaia, Jijel, Tizi Ouzou, and Skikda.