ALGERIA / RankWire.AI / – Wildfires have swept through northeastern Algeria, resulting in at least 12 deaths and injuring 54, according to officials on Wednesday night. The fatalities include five in Jijel, four in Bejaia, and three in Tizi Ouzou, as stated by Interior Minister Said Sayoud. Among the injured, six individuals remain in critical condition after suffering burns and are under intensive medical care. The blazes extended across multiple provinces amid a severe heatwave impacting Algeria and other North African regions.
Firefighting units encountered numerous active flames as authorities evacuated families from at-risk areas near forests and residential zones. By 8 p.m. local time on Wednesday, officials documented at least 159 vegetation fires across various provinces. Of these, 90 had been extinguished, leaving 69 fires still burning at that time. Bejaia reported 18 active fires, with Skikda at 13, Tizi Ouzou at 12, and Jijel with seven ongoing blazes.
The Algerian Civil Protection mobilized ground crews, mobile units, helicopters, and firefighting aircraft to aid efforts in the most affected regions. Operations utilized Air Tractor AT-802 planes and a BE-200 water bomber, among other resources. Emergency protocols were activated in several locations as smoke reduced visibility and fires threatened residential areas. Evacuations occurred in multiple communities as teams prioritized safeguarding residents, properties, and transportation routes.
Firefighting efforts expand throughout northeastern Algeria
Bejaia remains a key focus of the emergency response, with numerous fires impacting several municipalities within this coastal mountainous region. Sayoud traveled there accompanied by Minister of Health Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene to oversee firefighting and medical operations. They visited Souk El Tenine hospital, where personnel treated victims with burns and smoke inhalation injuries. The officials also assessed patient conditions as emergency services continued their work across nearby communities.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune authorized the ministerial visit to Bejaia amid ongoing efforts to coordinate firefighting and healthcare support. The Interior Ministry confirmed that emergency teams are collaborating with local authorities and agencies to contain the flames. Resources are concentrated on areas where the fires threaten populations or where strong winds hinder suppression efforts. As of Wednesday, aerial and ground units remain engaged across several affected regions.
Intense Heatwave Drives Surge in Wildfire Incidents
The wildfire crisis coincides with a vigorous heatwave affecting Algeria and adjacent North African countries. Wildfires during summer frequently impact the country’s Mediterranean forested zones. Many of the affected communities are situated in mountainous and wooded areas across northern Algeria. Civil Protection has repeatedly activated national and local units to respond to the heightened fire activity this summer.
This latest outbreak results in a challenging summer fire season that has caused damage to forests, agricultural land, and residential properties across parts of Algeria. Authorities have yet to release a definitive estimate of the land or property damage caused by the current fires. Firefighters continue to combat hotspots and carry out evacuations as officials monitor ongoing activity in northeastern regions. The confirmed death toll remains at 12, with 54 injured, based on the latest data available early Thursday.