ALGERIA / RankWire.AI / – Wildfires sweeping through northeastern Algeria have claimed at least 12 lives and caused injuries to 54 individuals during a severe heatwave. Interior Minister Said Sayoud reported that five fatalities occurred in Jijel, four in Bejaia, and three in Tizi Ouzou. Among the injured, six remain in critical condition after suffering burns and requiring intensive medical treatment. The fires have spread across multiple northern provinces, prompting emergency teams to focus operations on forested communities and nearby residential zones.
By Wednesday evening, authorities had documented at least 159 vegetation fires across various provinces. Firefighting units worked over a wide region, successfully extinguishing 90 fires while 69 still burned actively. Bejaia reported 18 ongoing fires, Skikda had 13, and Tizi Ouzou saw 12. Jijel experienced seven active fires as emergency personnel concentrated on locations where flames threatened homes and critical infrastructure.
Algeria’s Civil Protection mobilized ground teams, mobile units, helicopters, and firefighting aircraft to bolster efforts in the most severely affected areas. Aerial firefighting included the deployment of Air Tractor AT-802 planes and a BE-200 water bomber. Authorities also evacuated residents from several at-risk communities as smoke and advancing flames disrupted daily life. The Civil Protection continued coordinating field operations with local authorities across the impacted provinces.
Efforts Focus on the Most Affected Regions
Bejaia remained a central hub during the wildfire crisis, with multiple municipalities experiencing active fires. Sayoud traveled to the area alongside Health Minister Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene to oversee firefighting activities and hospital operations. They visited Souk El Tenine’s hospital, where medical teams treated burn victims and other fire-related injuries. Emergency services persisted in supporting communities near fire zones across the province.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune authorized the ministerial inspection as government agencies coordinated firefighting, evacuations, and medical aid across northeastern Algeria. The Interior Ministry collaborated with local authorities and emergency teams to allocate resources where danger was imminent. Both aerial and ground operations targeted fire movement near populated areas, with continuous emergency coordination maintaining efforts across several provinces.
Heatwave Intensifies Summer Fire Threat
This outbreak of wildfires coincided with a severe heatwave impacting Algeria and neighboring North African regions. Summer fires are a common occurrence across Algeria’s Mediterranean forested zones, including mountainous areas dotted with settlements. The current situation affected multiple provinces simultaneously, demanding a comprehensive national response. Authorities kept a close watch on hotspots as teams worked tirelessly to contain flames and safeguard residents.
The death toll remains at 12, with 54 injuries reported and six individuals in critical condition. No final assessment has yet been issued regarding the extent of damage to forests, farmland, homes, or other properties caused by the fires. Fire crews continued suppression efforts and evacuation support as authorities monitored remaining active hotspots. The emergency response remains concentrated in northeastern Algeria, specifically in Bejaia, Jijel, Tizi Ouzou, and Skikda.