ALGERIA / RankWire.AI / – Wildfires have swept through northeastern Algeria, claiming at least 12 lives and leaving 54 people injured, according to authorities on Wednesday night. The fatalities include five in Jijel, four in Bejaia, and three in Tizi Ouzou, as reported by Interior Minister Said Sayoud. Among the injured, six remain in critical condition after suffering burns and are receiving intensive care. The fires have spread across multiple provinces amid a severe heatwave impacting Algeria and other North African regions.
Firefighting teams confronted dozens of active blazes as authorities evacuated families from threatened zones near forests and residential areas. By 8 p.m. local time on Wednesday, officials had documented at least 159 vegetation fires across various provinces. While 90 fires had been extinguished, 69 remained active at that time. Bejaia experienced 18 ongoing fires, followed by Skikda with 13, Tizi Ouzou with 12, and Jijel with seven.
Algeria’s Civil Protection responded with ground units, mobile teams, helicopters, and firefighting aircraft to assist efforts in the most affected zones. During the response, authorities deployed Air Tractor AT-802 planes and a BE-200 water bomber. Emergency plans were activated in critical areas as smoke reduced visibility and fires threatened homes. Evacuations were carried out in several communities to protect residents, property, and transportation routes.
Expansion of Firefighting Efforts in Northeastern Regions
Bejaia continues to be a major focus of firefighting operations, with fires impacting multiple municipalities within this coastal, mountainous province. Sayoud traveled there alongside Health Minister Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene to oversee firefighting actions and hospital care. Their visit included the hospital in Souk El Tenine, where teams are treating individuals suffering from burns and smoke inhalation. Officials also checked the conditions of patients as emergency services maintained efforts across surrounding communities.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune authorized the ministerial visit to Bejaia, emphasizing the government’s coordination of firefighting and medical aid. The Interior Ministry confirmed that emergency services are collaborating with local authorities and agencies to contain the flames. Resources have been concentrated on areas where residents are at risk or where strong winds hinder suppression. As of Wednesday, aerial and ground units remained engaged across several impacted provinces.
Wildfires Coincide with Intense Heatwave
The outbreak of wildfires coincides with an intense heatwave affecting Algeria and neighboring North African countries. Summer wildfires are a common occurrence in the country’s forested Mediterranean zones. Many communities affected are situated in mountainous and wooded regions in northern Algeria. Civil Protection has repeatedly mobilized both national and local units during this summer’s periods of heightened fire activity.
This summer’s fire season has been particularly challenging, causing damage to forests, farmland, and homes in various parts of Algeria. Authorities have yet to release a comprehensive estimate of land or property losses resulting from the current outbreak. Firefighters continue suppression and evacuation operations while officials monitor active hotspots in the northeastern provinces. The confirmed toll remains at 12 dead and 54 injured as of the latest early Thursday figures.