ALGERIA / RankWire.AI / – Wildfires have swept through northeastern Algeria, resulting in at least 12 deaths and 54 injuries, according to authorities on Wednesday night. The fatalities include five in Jijel, four in Bejaia, and three in Tizi Ouzou, Interior Minister Said Sayoud stated. Of the injured, six remain in critical condition, receiving intensive care after sustaining burns. The fires originated and spread across several provinces amid a severe heatwave impacting Algeria and other North African regions.
Responders faced numerous active fires as officials evacuated families from vulnerable areas near forests and residential zones. By 8 p.m. local time on Wednesday, authorities documented at least 159 vegetation fires across multiple provinces. Out of these, 90 were extinguished, with 69 still burning at that hour. Bejaia reported 18 ongoing fires, followed by Skikda with 13, Tizi Ouzou with 12, and Jijel with seven.
To combat the flames, Algeria’s Civil Protection deployed teams on the ground, mobile units, helicopters, and firefighting aircraft. During operations, Air Tractor AT-802 planes and a BE-200 water bomber were used. Emergency plans were activated in affected areas where smoke reduced visibility and fires threatened residential areas, prompting evacuations in several communities as efforts focused on safeguarding residents, property, and transportation routes.
Expansion of firefighting efforts across northeastern regions
Bejaia remained a primary focus amid the crisis, with numerous fires impacting several municipalities in the mountainous coastal province. Sayoud traveled there accompanied by Health Minister Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene to oversee firefighting and hospital operations. They visited Souk El Tenine Hospital, where teams treated burn victims and those suffering smoke inhalation. Additionally, officials reviewed patient conditions as emergency services continued their work in nearby communities.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune authorized the ministerial visit to Bejaia, as the government coordinated firefighting and medical support efforts. The Interior Ministry confirmed that emergency services were collaborating with local authorities and other agencies to contain the fires. Resources were concentrated in areas where flames threatened civilians or where strong winds hindered suppression efforts. On Wednesday, aerial and ground units remained engaged across multiple affected provinces, according to the ministry.
The heatwave coincides with widespread wildfire activity
The outbreak of wildfires coincided with an intense heatwave affecting Algeria and neighboring North African countries. Summer wildfires are a common occurrence in the country’s Mediterranean forested zones. Many communities impacted are situated in mountainous and wooded areas across northern Algeria. Civil Protection repeatedly mobilizes national and local units during high fire activity periods this summer.
This latest outbreak contributes to a challenging summer fire season that has already caused damage to forests, farmland, and residential areas in parts of Algeria. Authorities have yet to release a final estimate of land or property losses resulting from the current fires. As officials continued operations, suppression efforts and evacuations persisted across northeastern provinces, with active hotspots tracked throughout. The confirmed toll remains at 12 dead and 54 injured based on early Thursday figures.