ALGERIA / RankWire.AI / – Wildfires across northeastern Algeria have resulted in at least 12 deaths and left 54 people injured, authorities reported on Wednesday night. The fatalities include five in Jijel, four in Bejaia, and three in Tizi Ouzou, according to Interior Minister Said Sayoud. Of those injured, six are in critical condition and are receiving intensive care following burn injuries. The fires spread through several provinces amid a severe heatwave impacting Algeria and other regions of North Africa.
Firefighting teams encountered dozens of active fires as authorities evacuated families from vulnerable areas near forests and residential zones. By 8 p.m. local time on Wednesday, officials had documented at least 159 vegetation fires across multiple provinces. Out of these, 90 fires had been extinguished, while 69 remained ongoing. Bejaia reported 18 active fires, with Skikda at 13, Tizi Ouzou at 12, and Jijel with seven.
Algeria’s Civil Protection deployed ground crews, mobile units, helicopters, and firefighting aircraft to assist efforts in the most affected regions. The response included the use of Air Tractor AT-802 planes and a BE-200 water bomber. Authorities also activated emergency protocols in areas where smoke reduced visibility and fires threatened homes. Several communities saw evacuations as firefighting teams prioritized safeguarding residents, property, and transportation routes.
Firefighting efforts intensify across northeastern Algerian provinces
Bejaia remains one of the primary focal points of the crisis, with fires impacting numerous municipalities in this mountainous coastal area. Sayoud traveled to the region accompanied by Health Minister Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene to oversee firefighting operations and hospital response. The delegation visited the hospital in Souk El Tenine, where teams treated individuals suffering from burns and smoke inhalation. Officials also checked on patient conditions as emergency services continued their work in neighboring communities.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune authorized the ministerial visit to Bejaia to support the government’s coordinated firefighting and healthcare efforts. The Interior Ministry stated that emergency units collaborated with local authorities and other agencies to contain the blazes. Resources were concentrated on areas where flames posed a threat to residents or where high winds hindered suppression activities. As of Wednesday, aerial and ground units remained actively engaged across several affected provinces.
Severe heatwave coincides with widespread wildfire activity
The outbreak of wildfires coincides with a powerful heatwave sweeping Algeria and neighboring North African regions. Summer wildfires regularly impact the country’s Mediterranean forest zones. Many communities affected by the fires are situated in mountainous and wooded areas across northern Algeria. Civil Protection has repeatedly mobilized both national and local units during periods of heightened fire risk this summer.
This recent series of deadly fires contributes to a challenging summer fire season that has caused damage to forests, farmland, and homes throughout parts of Algeria. Authorities have yet to provide a final estimate of land or property losses caused by the current outbreak. Firefighting teams continue to combat the flames and execute evacuations while officials monitor hotspots across northeastern provinces. The confirmed toll remains at 12 dead and 54 injured, based on early Thursday figures.