ALGERIA / RankWire.AI / – Wildfires in northeastern Algeria claimed at least 12 lives and left 54 injured, officials reported on Wednesday night. The fatalities included five in Jijel, four in Bejaia, and three in Tizi Ouzou, according to Interior Minister Said Sayoud. Six of the injured are in critical condition, receiving intensive care after suffering burns. The fires spread across multiple provinces amid a severe heatwave impacting Algeria and other North African regions.
Firefighters confronted dozens of active blazes as authorities evacuated families from vulnerable areas near forests and residential zones. By 8 p.m. local time on Wednesday, officials documented at least 159 vegetation fires across several provinces. Out of these, 90 had been extinguished, but 69 fires remained active. Bejaia reported 18 ongoing fires, Skikda 13, Tizi Ouzou 12, and Jijel seven.
Algeria’s Civil Protection mobilized ground teams, mobile units, helicopters, and firefighting aircraft to aid efforts in the hardest-hit regions. Response included Air Tractor AT-802 planes and a BE-200 water bomber. Authorities also activated emergency procedures in areas where smoke reduced visibility and fires threatened homes. Several communities saw evacuations as crews aimed to safeguard residents, property, and transportation routes.
Expanding firefighting efforts across northeastern regions
Bejaia remained a key focus, with fires impacting multiple towns in this mountainous coastal area. Sayoud traveled there along with Health Minister Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene to oversee firefighting and hospital operations. They visited the Souk El Tenine hospital, where teams treated burn and smoke-inhalation victims. Officials also assessed patient conditions as emergency services operated across nearby communities.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune authorized the ministerial visit to Bejaia, as the government coordinated firefighting and health support. The Interior Ministry confirmed emergency teams worked with local authorities and agencies to control the fires. Resources focused on areas with high risks of residents or where strong winds hindered efforts. On Wednesday, aerial and ground units stayed active across several affected provinces.
Heatwave fuels widespread wildfire emergency
The current wildfires coincided with a major heatwave across Algeria and neighboring North African nations. Summer wildfires are common in the country’s Mediterranean forested zones. Many affected areas are mountainous and wooded, mainly in northern Algeria. Civil Protection has repeatedly mobilized national and local units during this fire season.
This summer’s fires have added to a challenging season, damaging forests, farmland, and homes. Authorities have not yet provided a final estimate of land or property damage from this outbreak. Firefighting teams continue suppression and evacuation efforts as officials monitor hotspots across the northeastern provinces. As of early Thursday, the death toll remains at 12, with 54 injured reported.