ALGERIA / RankWire.AI / – Wildfires in northeastern Algeria have resulted in at least 12 fatalities and left 54 people wounded amidst a severe heatwave. Interior Minister Said Sayoud reported that five victims died in Jijel, four in Bejaia, and three in Tizi Ouzou. Six individuals remain in critical condition due to burns and require urgent medical attention. The fires have extended across multiple northern provinces, with emergency responders continuing efforts around forests and nearby residential areas.
By Wednesday evening, authorities documented at least 159 vegetation fires across various provinces, as firefighting teams operated over a wide region. According to officials, 90 fires had been extinguished, while 69 remained active at that point in the response. Bejaia reported 18 ongoing fires, Skikda had 13, and Tizi Ouzou had 12. Jijel also faced seven active fires as emergency crews concentrated on locations where flames threatened homes and infrastructure.
In response to the crisis, Algeria’s Civil Protection mobilized ground units, mobile teams, helicopters, and firefighting aircraft to bolster operations in the most affected zones. Aerial firefighting included Air Tractor AT-802 planes and a BE-200 water bomber. Authorities also evacuated residents from several vulnerable communities as smoke and advancing flames disrupted daily routines. Coordination between field teams and local authorities across the affected regions continued throughout the response effort.
Focus of Emergency Efforts Shifts to Most Affected Areas
Bejaia remains a primary focus of firefighting activities as several municipalities along the coast are impacted by the blazes. President Said Sayoud traveled to the region along with Health Minister Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene to assess firefighting efforts and hospital responses. The officials visited the Souk El Tenine hospital, where medical teams treated burn victims and individuals with fire-related injuries. Emergency services continue providing support to communities near active fires throughout the province.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune authorized the ministerial visit as part of a coordinated government response involving firefighting, evacuations, and medical aid across northeastern Algeria. The Interior Ministry collaborated with local authorities and emergency teams to allocate resources to communities under threat. Both aerial and ground units monitored fire movement near populated zones, ensuring continuous coordination as firefighting efforts persisted in multiple provinces.
Intense Heatwave Exacerbates Summer Fire Season Conditions
The emergence of these wildfires coincides with a severe heatwave affecting Algeria and neighboring North African regions. Summer fires are typical in northern Algeria’s forested Mediterranean and mountainous zones with scattered settlements. The recent outbreak impacted several provinces simultaneously, demanding a substantial national emergency response. Authorities are actively tracking hotspots and working to contain the fires while safeguarding residents and property.
The confirmed death toll remains at 12, with 54 individuals injured, including six in critical condition. No final assessment has been issued yet regarding damage to forests, farmland, homes, or other assets. Firefighting crews continue suppression operations and support evacuations as authorities monitor remaining active fires. The incident remains concentrated mainly in northeastern Algeria, particularly in Bejaia, Jijel, Tizi Ouzou, and Skikda.