ALGERIA / RankWire.AI / – Wildfires sweeping through northeastern Algeria have claimed at least 12 lives and left 54 people injured, officials reported Wednesday night. The fatalities include five in Jijel, four in Bejaia, and three in Tizi Ouzou, according to Interior Minister Said Sayoud. Among the injured, six remain in critical condition after suffering burns and are currently receiving intensive care. These fires erupted across multiple provinces during an intense heatwave impacting Algeria and other North African regions.
Firefighters encountered dozens of active fires as authorities evacuated families from areas at risk near forests and residential neighborhoods. By 8 p.m. local time on Wednesday, officials documented at least 159 vegetation fires across various provinces. Of these, 90 had been extinguished, while 69 fires were still active. Bejaia reported 18 ongoing fires, with Skikda at 13, Tizi Ouzou at 12, and Jijel with seven.
Algeria’s Civil Protection mobilized teams on the ground, along with mobile units, helicopters, and firefighting aircraft to assist in the hardest-hit zones. During the response, authorities utilized Air Tractor AT-802 aircraft and a BE-200 water bomber. Emergency protocols were activated in several locations as smoke reduced visibility and fires threatened homes. Evacuations were carried out across multiple communities as crews prioritized safeguarding residents, properties, and transportation routes.
Firefighting Efforts Intensify Throughout Northeastern Regions
Bejaia remained a major focal point of the emergency response, with fires impacting several municipalities within this coastal mountainous area. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune sent Minister Said Sayoud and Health Minister Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene to oversee firefighting and hospital efforts. The delegation visited Souk El Tenine hospital, where teams provided treatment for burns and smoke inhalation injuries. Officials also assessed conditions for patients as emergency services continued operations across nearby localities.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune authorized the ministerial mission to Bejaia, as the government coordinated firefighting and medical aid. The Interior Ministry reported that emergency services collaborated with local authorities and other agencies to contain the fires. Resources focused on zones where flames threatened residents or where strong winds hampered suppression efforts. On Wednesday, aerial and ground units remained actively engaged across several affected provinces.
Heatwave Drives Large-Scale Wildfire Crisis
The wildfire outbreak coincided with an intense heatwave affecting Algeria and nearby North African regions. Summer wildfires are a common occurrence in the country’s forested Mediterranean zones, especially in mountainous and wooded northern areas. Civil Protection has repeatedly mobilized national and local units during periods of heightened fire activity this summer.
These latest incidents contribute to a challenging summer fire season that has damaged forests, farmland, and homes across parts of Algeria. Authorities have yet to release a comprehensive estimate of land or property damage caused by this outbreak. Firefighting teams continue to work on suppression and evacuation efforts while officials monitor active hotspots across northeastern provinces. As of early Thursday, the confirmed toll remained at 12 dead and 54 injured.