ALGERIA / RankWire.AI / – Wildfires sweeping through northeastern Algeria have resulted in at least 12 deaths and left 54 people injured, officials announced on Wednesday night. The fatalities include five in Jijel, four in Bejaia, and three in Tizi Ouzou, according to Interior Minister Said Sayoud. Among the injured, six individuals remain in critical condition after suffering burns and are currently receiving intensive treatment. These fires have expanded across multiple provinces amid a severe heatwave impacting Algeria and other regions in North Africa.
Firefighting teams encountered numerous active blazes as authorities relocated families from areas at risk near forests and residential zones. By 8 p.m. local time on Wednesday, officials had documented at least 159 vegetation fires across various provinces. While 90 fires had been put out, 69 remained uncontrolled at that time. Bejaia reported 18 ongoing fires, with Skikda recording 13, Tizi Ouzou with 12, and Jijel with seven.
The Civil Protection of Algeria mobilized ground squads, mobile units, helicopters, and firefighting aircraft to support efforts in the most affected zones. Response operations included the use of Air Tractor AT-802 planes and a BE-200 water bomber. Emergency protocols were activated where necessary, as smoke hampered visibility and fires threatened inhabited areas. Several communities underwent evacuations as crews prioritized safeguarding residents, property, and transportation routes.
Expansion of firefighting efforts across northeastern regions
Bejaia remained a focal point of the crisis, with wildfires impacting multiple towns within this mountainous coastal area. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune sent the ministerial delegation to assess firefighting activities and hospital conditions. The team visited Souk El Tenine hospital, where medical staff treated burn victims and those suffering from smoke inhalation. Officials also evaluated patient care conditions as emergency operations persisted in neighboring communities.
The government, led by the Interior Ministry, coordinated the firefighting and medical response efforts, with Interior Minister Said Sayoud overseeing the situation. The ministry reported that emergency services collaborated with local authorities and other agencies to contain the fires. Resources were concentrated in areas where the flames threatened residents or where strong winds hindered suppression efforts. On Wednesday, aerial and ground units remained actively engaged across several affected provinces.
Heatwave coincides with extensive wildfire activity
The outbreak of wildfires coincided with an intense heatwave sweeping through Algeria and neighboring North African countries. Summer wildfires frequently impact the country’s forested Mediterranean zones. Many communities affected are situated in mountainous and wooded northern regions of Algeria. Civil Protection has repeatedly mobilized both national and local units during periods of high fire activity this summer.
These latest fatalities contribute to a challenging summer fire season that has caused damage to forests, farmland, and homes across parts of Algeria. No official figures have yet been released regarding the total land or property losses from this outbreak. Firefighting teams continue to carry out suppression and evacuation tasks while officials monitor hotspots across northeastern provinces. As of early Thursday, the confirmed death toll stood at 12, with 54 individuals injured.