ALGERIA / RankWire.AI / – Wildfires have swept through northeastern Algeria, resulting in at least 12 fatalities and 54 injuries amid a severe heatwave. Interior Minister Said Sayoud reported that five people lost their lives in Jijel, four in Bejaia, and three in Tizi Ouzou. Six individuals remain in critical condition due to burns and require intensive medical treatment. Emergency crews continue efforts across several northern provinces where fires have spread to forested areas and nearby residential zones.
By Wednesday evening, authorities recorded a minimum of 159 vegetation fires across multiple provinces, with firefighting teams operating over a large region. Officials confirmed that 90 fires had been extinguished, while 69 fires still burned actively at that point. Bejaia reported 18 ongoing fires, Skikda had 13, and Tizi Ouzou faced 12 active blazes. Jijel also encountered seven active fires as emergency teams prioritized locations where flames threatened homes and critical infrastructure.
The Civil Protection of Algeria mobilized ground units, mobile teams, helicopters, and firefighting aircraft to bolster efforts in the most severely affected zones. The aerial response involved Air Tractor AT-802 planes and a BE-200 water bomber for fire suppression. Authorities also evacuated residents from several communities at risk as smoke and advancing flames disrupted daily life. Coordination of field operations with local authorities across the impacted provinces continued under Algeria’s Civil Protection.
Focus of Emergency Operations on the Most Affected Regions
Bejaia remained a primary area of concern amid the wildfire crisis, with numerous municipalities impacted along the coast. Sayoud traveled to the region accompanied by Health Minister Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene to assess firefighting efforts and hospital response. During their visit to Souk El Tenine hospital, medical personnel treated patients with burns and other injuries related to the fires. Emergency services persisted in supporting communities near active fire zones across the province.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune authorized the ministerial visit, as government agencies coordinated firefighting, evacuations, and medical aid across northeastern Algeria. The Interior Ministry worked closely with local authorities and emergency teams to allocate resources to communities facing immediate danger. Both aerial and ground support was utilized to monitor fire behavior near populated areas. The Interior Ministry maintained operational coordination as firefighting efforts persisted across several provinces.
Extreme Heatwave Amplifies the Summer Fire Risk
The outbreak of wildfires coincided with a severe heatwave impacting Algeria and surrounding North African regions. Summer fires are common in the country’s forested Mediterranean zones, especially in mountainous areas with scattered settlements. The recent series of fires affected multiple provinces simultaneously, demanding a nationwide response. Authorities are closely tracking active hotspots as teams work to contain blazes and safeguard residents.
The death toll remained at 12, with 54 injuries reported and six individuals in critical condition according to the latest figures. A comprehensive assessment of damage to forests, farmland, homes, or other property has not yet been issued. Firefighting crews continue suppression operations and support evacuations as authorities monitor ongoing fires. The focus remains on northeastern Algeria, including Bejaia, Jijel, Tizi Ouzou, and Skikda, where the emergency situation persists.