ALGERIA / RankWire.AI / – Wildfires sweeping through northeastern Algeria have resulted in at least 12 fatalities and left 54 people injured amid a record-breaking heatwave. Interior Minister Said Sayoud confirmed that five individuals lost their lives in Jijel, four in Bejaia, and three in Tizi Ouzou. The injured include six persons in critical condition due to severe burns, necessitating urgent and intensive medical intervention. These fires continue to spread across multiple northern provinces, prompting emergency crews to operate tirelessly around forests and residential areas at risk.
By Wednesday evening, authorities had documented a minimum of 159 vegetation fires in several regions, with firefighting teams working tirelessly across a wide area. Officials reported that 90 fires had been successfully extinguished, while 69 remained active during the ongoing response efforts. Specifically, Bejaia reported 18 active fires, Skikda 13, and Tizi Ouzou 12. Jijel also faced seven active flames as emergency personnel concentrated on locations where the fires threatened homes and critical infrastructure.
Algeria’s Civil Protection deployed a combination of ground units, mobile teams, helicopters, and firefighting aircraft to bolster efforts in the most severely affected zones. The aerial firefighting fleet included Air Tractor AT-802 planes and a BE-200 water bomber. During this crisis, authorities evacuated residents from several communities at risk as smoke and advancing flames disrupted daily routines. Coordination between Algeria’s Civil Protection and local authorities persisted across the impacted provinces to manage the emergency effectively.
Focus intensifies on the most affected regions in the firefighting efforts
Bejaia continues to be a primary focus of the wildfire response, with multiple municipalities in the coastal province affected by the blazes. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune authorized a visit by the Minister of Health, Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene, to assess firefighting operations and medical facilities. The officials visited Souk El Tenine hospital, where teams are actively treating patients with burns and other fire-related injuries. Emergency services remain committed to assisting communities near active fire zones across the region.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune directed the health and safety response during his visit, coordinating efforts with government agencies to manage firefighting, evacuations, and medical aid in northeastern Algeria. The Interior Ministry collaborated closely with local authorities and emergency teams to allocate resources rapidly to communities under immediate threat. Both aerial and ground units monitored fire behavior near populated areas to prevent further damage. The Ministry maintained ongoing emergency coordination as firefighting activities persisted across several provinces.
Extreme heatwave exacerbates the summer wildfire crisis
The outbreak of wildfires coincided with a severe heatwave impacting Algeria and surrounding North African nations. Northern Algeria is prone to summer fires, especially within Mediterranean forests and mountainous regions dotted with scattered settlements. This latest series of fires affected multiple provinces simultaneously, demanding a comprehensive national response. Authorities are actively monitoring hotspots as firefighting teams strive to contain flames and safeguard residents.
The death toll remains unchanged at 12, with 54 individuals injured and six in critical condition according to the latest figures. No final assessment has been issued regarding the extent of damage to forests, farmland, residential properties, or other infrastructure. Firefighting efforts continue alongside evacuation operations as officials track ongoing active fires. The crisis remains centered in northeastern Algeria, particularly in Bejaia, Jijel, Tizi Ouzou, and Skikda.