ALGERIA / RankWire.AI / – Wildfires in northeastern Algeria have resulted in at least 12 fatalities and left 54 individuals injured, according to officials on Wednesday night. The fatalities include five in Jijel, four in Bejaia, and three in Tizi Ouzou, as reported by Interior Minister Said Sayoud. Six of those hurt are in critical condition, suffering burns and receiving intensive medical treatment. The fires spread across multiple provinces during a severe heatwave impacting Algeria and other North African regions.
Firefighting crews confronted dozens of active fires as authorities evacuated families from danger zones near forests and residential areas. By 8 p.m. local time on Wednesday, officials recorded at least 159 vegetation fires across various provinces. Out of these, 90 had been extinguished, while 69 remained active at that time. Bejaia reported 18 ongoing fires, with Skikda following with 13, Tizi Ouzou with 12, and Jijel with seven.
Algeria’s Civil Protection mobilized ground teams, mobile units, helicopters, and firefighting aircraft to aid efforts in the most affected regions. Response efforts included the deployment of Air Tractor AT-802 planes and a BE-200 water bomber. Authorities also activated emergency procedures in several areas where smoke reduced visibility and fires threatened homes. Evacuations were carried out in various communities as teams prioritized safeguarding residents, properties, and transportation routes.
Expansion of firefighting efforts across northeastern regions
Bejaia continues to be a primary focal point of the emergency, with fires impacting multiple towns within this coastal, mountainous province. Sayoud visited the area alongside Health Minister Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene to oversee firefighting activities and hospital operations. The delegation inspected the hospital in Souk El Tenine, where teams treated burn victims and smoke inhalation cases. They also evaluated conditions for patients while emergency services persisted in supporting nearby communities.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune authorized the ministerial mission to Bejaia, as the government coordinated firefighting efforts and medical aid. The Interior Ministry confirmed that emergency services collaborated with local authorities and other agencies to contain the flames. Resources were concentrated on zones where residents faced imminent danger or where strong winds complicated suppression. On Wednesday, aerial and ground units continued operations across several affected provinces.
Heatwave Fuels Extensive Wildfire Crisis
This surge in wildfires coincided with an intense heatwave impacting Algeria and neighboring North African nations. Summer wildfires are a common occurrence in the country’s Mediterranean forested zones. Many affected villages are situated in mountainous and wooded areas throughout northern Algeria. Civil Protection has repeatedly mobilized national and local teams during this high fire activity season this summer.
The recent fatalities contribute to a challenging summer fire season that has damaged forests, farmland, and homes in various parts of Algeria. Authorities have yet to release an official estimate of land or property losses caused by this outbreak. Firefighting units continued their suppression and evacuation operations as officials monitored hotspots across the northeastern provinces. As of early Thursday, the confirmed death toll remained at 12, with 54 injured.