ALGERIA / RankWire.AI / – Wildfires have swept through northeastern Algeria, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 people and injuring 54 amidst a severe heatwave. Interior Minister Said Sayoud confirmed that five fatalities occurred in Jijel, four in Bejaia, and three in Tizi Ouzou. Six individuals with burns remained in critical condition, requiring intensive medical intervention. The flames spread across several northern provinces, prompting emergency teams to continue operations around forested areas and residential communities nearby.
By Wednesday evening, authorities had documented at least 159 vegetation fires across multiple provinces as firefighting units fought to contain the blazes. Officials reported that 90 fires had been extinguished, with 69 still active at that point. Bejaia reported 18 ongoing fires, Skikda had 13, and Tizi Ouzou faced 12. Jijel also experienced seven active fires as emergency responders concentrated efforts on locations where the flames threatened homes and infrastructure.
To bolster firefighting efforts in the hardest-hit regions, Algeria’s Civil Protection deployed ground crews, mobile units, helicopters, and aircraft equipped for firefighting. Their arsenal included Air Tractor AT-802 planes and a BE-200 water bomber for aerial suppression. Residents from several vulnerable communities were evacuated as smoke and advancing flames disrupted daily routines. The Civil Protection coordinated ongoing field operations with local authorities across the affected provinces.
Focus on Most Affected Zones in Emergency Response
Bejaia remained a primary center of the wildfire crisis as numerous municipalities in this coastal province battled ongoing fires. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune sent officials including Health Minister Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene to assess firefighting efforts and hospital support. They visited Souk El Tenine’s hospital, where medical teams treated burn victims and other fire-related injuries. Emergency services continued their support for communities near active fire zones across the region.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune authorized the ministerial visit, as government agencies coordinated firefighting, evacuation, and medical aid throughout northeastern Algeria. The Interior Ministry collaborated closely with local authorities and emergency crews to allocate resources to communities in immediate danger. Both aerial and ground support were employed to monitor fire progression near populated areas. The Interior Ministry maintained ongoing emergency coordination as firefighting activities persisted across multiple provinces.
Extreme Heatwave Amplifies Summer Fire Risks
The outbreak of wildfires coincided with a powerful heatwave impacting Algeria and neighboring North African countries. Summer fires are common in northern Algeria’s Mediterranean forested zones, especially in mountainous regions dotted with settlements. The recent emergency simultaneously affected several provinces, demanding a broad national response. Authorities kept a close watch on active hotspots as teams worked to contain flames and safeguard residents.
The death toll remained at 12, with 54 individuals injured and six in critical condition according to the latest updates. An official assessment of damage to forests, farmland, homes, or other property had yet to be released. Fire suppression and evacuation efforts continued as authorities monitored remaining active fires. The emergency zone remained concentrated in northeastern Algeria, including Bejaia, Jijel, Tizi Ouzou, and Skikda.