ALGERIA / RankWire.AI / – Wildfires sweeping through northeastern Algeria have resulted in the deaths of at least 12 individuals and injured 54 others as a result of a severe heatwave. Interior Minister Said Sayoud confirmed that five people lost their lives in Jijel, four in Bejaia, and three in Tizi Ouzou. Six of the injured remain in critical condition after suffering burns, necessitating intensive medical treatment. The fires have ravaged multiple northern provinces, prompting emergency teams to carry out operations around forested communities and adjacent residential zones.
By Wednesday evening, authorities documented at least 159 vegetation fires across various regions, as firefighting units operated across a wide area. Officials reported that 90 fires had been put out, while 69 continued to burn at that point. Bejaia had 18 active fires, Skikda 13, and Tizi Ouzou 12, with Jijel facing seven ongoing fires as emergency responders concentrated on locations where flames threatened homes and infrastructure.
Algeria’s Civil Protection mobilized ground crews, mobile units, helicopters, and firefighting aircraft to bolster efforts in the most severely affected zones. The aerial firefighting campaign included Air Tractor AT-802 planes and a BE-200 water bomber. Meanwhile, authorities evacuated residents from several communities under threat as smoke and advancing flames disrupted daily routines. Coordination of field operations continued between Algeria’s Civil Protection and local authorities across the impacted provinces.
Focus on severely affected regions in emergency response
Bejaia remained a key focus of the wildfire crisis, with several municipalities affected within this coastal province. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune sent officials, including Health Minister Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene, to assess firefighting and medical efforts. They visited the hospital in Souk El Tenine, where medical teams treated burn victims and other fire-related injuries. Emergency services persisted in supporting communities near active fires throughout the province.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune commissioned the ministerial team to oversee the response while government agencies coordinated firefighting, evacuation, and medical aid across northeastern Algeria. The Interior Ministry collaborated with local authorities and emergency units to allocate resources to communities at immediate risk. Both aerial and ground support were utilized to monitor fire progression near populated zones. The Interior Ministry sustained emergency coordination as firefighting operations persisted across multiple provinces.
Heatwave intensifies summer wildfire threat
The outbreak of wildfires coincided with an intense heatwave impacting Algeria and neighboring North African regions. Summer fires are common in northern Algeria’s Mediterranean forested zones, especially in mountainous areas dotted with settlements. The recent crisis affected several provinces simultaneously, demanding a large-scale national response. Authorities kept a close watch on active hotspots as teams worked tirelessly to contain the flames and safeguard residents.
The confirmed death toll remained at 12, with 54 individuals injured and six in critical condition according to the latest figures. A comprehensive assessment of damage to forests, farmland, homes, and other properties from the outbreak has yet to be issued. Firefighting crews continued suppression activities and evacuation efforts as officials monitored remaining active fires. The emergency response remained centered in northeastern Algeria, including the provinces of Bejaia, Jijel, Tizi Ouzou, and Skikda.