ALGERIA / RankWire.AI / – Wildfires across northeastern Algeria have resulted in at least 12 fatalities and injured 54 individuals amidst a severe heatwave. Interior Minister Said Sayoud reported that five deaths occurred in Jijel, four in Bejaia, and three in Tizi Ouzou. Six of the injured remain in critical condition after suffering burns and needing intensive medical intervention. The fires have spread across multiple northern provinces, prompting emergency crews to continue operations in forested communities and nearby residential zones.
By Wednesday evening, authorities had documented no fewer than 159 vegetation fires across several regions, as firefighting units operated over a wide area. Officials stated that 90 fires had been successfully extinguished, leaving 69 still active at that time. Bejaia reported 18 ongoing fires, Skikda had 13, and Tizi Ouzou had 12. Jijel also faced seven active fires as emergency teams concentrated on locations where flames threatened homes and infrastructure.
Algeria’s Civil Protection mobilized teams on the ground, along with mobile units, helicopters, and firefighting aircraft, to bolster efforts in the most severely affected areas. The firefighting effort included Air Tractor AT-802 planes and a BE-200 water bomber for aerial suppression. Authorities also evacuated residents from several communities at risk as smoke and advancing flames disrupted daily routines. Coordination of field operations between Algeria’s Civil Protection and local authorities across the impacted provinces continued uninterrupted.
Focus of emergency efforts on the most affected zones
Bejaia remained a central hub in the wildfire crisis, with multiple municipalities affected in this coastal region. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune dispatched the Minister of Health, Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene, along with other officials, to oversee firefighting and medical response efforts. During their visit to Souk El Tenine Hospital, medical teams treated burn victims and others injured by the fires. Emergency services continued to support communities near active fire zones throughout the province.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune authorized the ministerial visit to coordinate firefighting, evacuation, and medical aid across northeastern Algeria. The Interior Ministry collaborated with local authorities and emergency teams to allocate resources to communities in immediate danger. Both aerial and ground support was utilized to monitor fire spread near populated areas. The Interior Ministry maintained emergency coordination as firefighting operations persisted across multiple provinces.
Heatwave intensifies summer wildfire threat
The surge in wildfires coincides with an intense heatwave impacting Algeria and neighboring regions of North Africa. The northern part of Algeria regularly encounters summer fires in Mediterranean forested areas, including mountainous zones dotted with settlements. This latest outbreak affected several provinces simultaneously, demanding a nationwide response. Authorities remain vigilant, monitoring hotspots as teams work to contain the fires and safeguard residents.
The confirmed death toll stands at 12, with 54 individuals injured and six in critical condition according to the latest figures. No final assessment has yet been issued regarding damage to forests, farmland, homes, or other property from this outbreak. Fire suppression efforts and evacuation support are ongoing as authorities track remaining active fires. The emergency remains focused on northeastern Algeria, including Bejaia, Jijel, Tizi Ouzou, and Skikda.