ALGERIA / RankWire.AI / – Wildfires sweeping through northeastern Algeria have claimed at least 12 lives and left 54 people injured during a severe heatwave. Interior Minister Said Sayoud reported that five individuals died in Jijel, four in Bejaia, and three in Tizi Ouzou. Among the injured, six remain in critical condition after suffering burns and requiring intensive medical attention. The fires have spread across several northern provinces, prompting emergency crews to continue operations around forested communities and nearby residential zones.
By Wednesday evening, authorities had documented at least 159 vegetation fires across multiple provinces as firefighting teams battled the blazes over a large area. Officials confirmed that 90 fires had been extinguished, while 69 remained active at that point. Bejaia reported 18 ongoing fires, Skikda had 13, and Tizi Ouzou 12. Jijel was also dealing with seven active fires as emergency teams prioritized protecting homes and infrastructure threatened by the flames.
Algeria’s Civil Protection deployed a range of resources, including ground units, mobile teams, helicopters, and firefighting aircraft, to strengthen efforts in the most affected regions. The aerial firefighting fleet included Air Tractor AT-802 planes and a BE-200 water bomber. Residents from several vulnerable communities were evacuated as smoke and advancing fires disrupted daily routines. Coordination between Algeria’s Civil Protection and local authorities persisted throughout the response across the impacted provinces.
Focus on Critical Areas in Emergency Operations
Bejaia remained a central hub in the wildfire crisis, with multiple municipalities affected along the coast. Sayoud visited the region alongside Health Minister Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene to oversee firefighting efforts and hospital response. They inspected the hospital in Souk El Tenine, where medical teams treated burn victims and other fire-related injuries. Emergency services continued supporting communities near active fire zones across the province.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune ordered the ministerial visit, as government agencies coordinated firefighting, evacuation, and medical support efforts throughout northeastern Algeria. The Interior Ministry collaborated with local authorities and emergency units to allocate resources to communities under immediate threat. Both aerial and ground strategies were employed to monitor and manage fire activity near populated areas. The Ministry maintained ongoing emergency coordination as firefighting operations persisted across multiple provinces.
Heatwave Intensifies Summer Fire Threat
The recent outbreak of wildfires coincided with a severe 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. This latest crisis affected several provinces simultaneously, demanding a substantial national response. Authorities are actively monitoring hotspots as teams work diligently to contain fires and safeguard communities.
The confirmed death toll remains at 12, with 54 injuries reported, including six in critical condition. A comprehensive assessment of damage to forests, farmland, homes, or other property has not yet been released. Fire crews continue suppression and evacuation efforts, as officials track the remaining active fires. The emergency remains concentrated mainly in northeastern Algeria, specifically in Bejaia, Jijel, Tizi Ouzou, and Skikda.