ALGERIA / RankWire.AI / – Wildfires have swept through northeastern Algeria, resulting in at least 12 deaths and 54 injuries during an intense heatwave. Interior Minister Said Sayoud confirmed that five lives were lost in Jijel, four in Bejaia, and three in Tizi Ouzou. Six individuals remain in critical condition due to burns and require intensive medical treatment. The fires have spread across several northern provinces, prompting emergency teams to operate around forested communities and residential neighborhoods in danger.
By Wednesday evening, authorities reported at least 159 vegetation fires across multiple provinces, with firefighting teams actively working over a wide area. Officials noted that 90 fires had been extinguished, but 69 remained ongoing at that time. Bejaia recorded 18 active fires, Skikda had 13, and Tizi Ouzou 12. Jijel also faced seven active fires as emergency responders focused on locations where flames threatened homes and infrastructure.
Algeria’s Civil Protection mobilized ground crews, mobile units, helicopters, and firefighting aircraft to bolster efforts in the most severely affected zones. Aerial support included Air Tractor AT-802 planes and a BE-200 water bomber for firefighting missions. Authorities also evacuated residents from several communities under threat as smoke and advancing flames disrupted daily routines. Coordination between Civil Protection and local officials continued across the impacted provinces.
Efforts focus on areas with the greatest damage
Bejaia remains a primary focal point of the wildfire crisis, with numerous municipalities affected along the coast. Sayoud traveled to the region accompanied by Health Minister Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene to assess firefighting efforts and hospital treatment. They visited Souk El Tenine hospital, where medical personnel continue to treat burn victims and other fire-related injuries. Emergency services persist in supporting communities near active fire zones throughout the province.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune authorized the ministerial visit, as government agencies coordinated firefighting, evacuation, and medical assistance across northeastern Algeria. The Interior Ministry collaborated with local authorities and emergency teams to allocate resources to communities at immediate risk. Both aerial and ground units are actively monitoring fire movements near populated areas. The Interior Ministry maintains ongoing emergency coordination as firefighting operations persist in several provinces.
Extreme temperatures intensify summer wildfire activity
The outbreak of wildfires coincides with a severe heatwave affecting Algeria and surrounding North African regions. Northern Algeria frequently encounters summer fires in Mediterranean forests, including mountainous zones with scattered settlements. The recent wave of fires impacted multiple provinces simultaneously, demanding a large-scale national response. Authorities continue tracking hotspots and working to suppress blazes while safeguarding residents.
The death toll remains at 12, with 54 individuals wounded, including six in critical condition, according to the latest figures. A comprehensive assessment of damage to forests, farmland, homes, or other property has yet to be released. Fire crews persist in suppression and evacuation operations as officials monitor remaining active fires. The emergency situation remains concentrated in northeastern Algeria, particularly in Bejaia, Jijel, Tizi Ouzou, and Skikda.