ALGERIA / RankWire.AI / – Wildfires sweeping through northeastern regions of Algeria have resulted in at least 12 deaths and injuries to 54 people amid a brutal heatwave. Interior Minister Said Sayoud reported that five victims perished in Jijel, four in Bejaia, and three in Tizi Ouzou. Six individuals suffering burns remain in critical condition, requiring intensive medical treatment. The fires have advanced through multiple northern provinces, prompting emergency crews to continue operations in forests and residential zones in danger.
By Wednesday evening, officials documented at least 159 vegetation fires across several provinces, as firefighting teams worked across a wide area. Authorities indicated that 90 fires had been extinguished, while 69 remained active at that point in the response. Bejaia reported 18 ongoing fires, Skikda 13, and Tizi Ouzou 12. Jijel faced seven active fires as emergency teams prioritized locations where flames threatened homes and critical infrastructure.
The Civil Protection of Algeria mobilized ground units, mobile teams, helicopters, and firefighting aircraft to bolster efforts in the most affected regions. The aerial firefighting fleet included Air Tractor AT-802 planes and a BE-200 water bomber. Authorities also evacuated residents from several communities at risk, as smoke and advancing flames disrupted everyday life. Coordination between Civil Protection units and local officials continued across the impacted provinces.
Focus of emergency efforts on heavily affected zones
Bejaia remains a primary center of wildfire response, with fires impacting numerous municipalities along the coast. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune dispatched the Minister to the region alongside Health Minister Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene to assess firefighting efforts and hospital operations. The officials visited Souk El Tenine Hospital, where medical teams are treating burn victims and those with fire-related injuries. Emergency services continue supporting communities near active fire zones throughout the province.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune authorized the ministerial visit as government agencies coordinated firefighting, evacuation, and medical aid across northeastern Algeria. The Interior Ministry collaborated with local authorities and emergency teams to allocate resources to communities facing immediate threats. Both aerial and ground units monitored fire progression near populated areas. The Interior Ministry sustained emergency coordination as firefighting operations persisted across several provinces.
Extreme heat amplifies challenges for summer wildfire season
The outbreak of wildfires occurred during an intense heatwave affecting Algeria and neighboring regions of North Africa. Summer fires are common in northern Algeria, especially in forested Mediterranean zones and mountainous areas with scattered settlements. The current crisis impacted multiple provinces simultaneously, necessitating a large-scale national response. Authorities continue to monitor hotspots and work to contain the fires, aiming to safeguard residents and property.
As of the latest figures, the death toll remains at 12, with 54 individuals injured and six in critical condition. No final assessment of damage to forests, farmland, homes, or other structures has been issued. Firefighters persist in suppression efforts and evacuation assistance while tracking remaining active blazes. The emergency remains focused on northeastern Algeria, specifically Bejaia, Jijel, Tizi Ouzou, and Skikda.