ALGERIA / RankWire.AI / – Wildfires sweeping across northeastern Algeria have resulted in at least 12 fatalities and 54 injuries amid a severe heatwave. Interior Minister Said Sayoud confirmed that five individuals died in Jijel, four in Bejaia, and three in Tizi Ouzou. Among the injured, six remain in critical condition due to burns and are receiving intensive medical treatment. The fires have engulfed multiple northern provinces, prompting emergency crews to continue operations near forested regions and residential neighborhoods close by.
By Wednesday evening, officials recorded a minimum of 159 vegetation fires across several areas as firefighting teams worked tirelessly across a broad region. Authorities announced that 90 fires had been brought under control, with 69 still active at that point. Bejaia reported 18 ongoing fires, Skikda had 13, and Tizi Ouzou was battling 12. Jijel also faced seven active fires, as emergency personnel concentrated on locations where flames posed risks to homes and infrastructure.
To bolster firefighting efforts in the hardest-hit zones, Algeria’s Civil Protection deployed ground units, mobile teams, helicopters, and aircraft specialized in fire suppression. This included Air Tractor AT-802 planes and a BE-200 water bomber for aerial firefighting. Meanwhile, authorities evacuated residents from several threatened communities as smoke and advancing flames disrupted daily routines. Throughout the response, Algeria’s Civil Protection coordinated field operations closely with local authorities across the affected provinces.
Focus on Critical Areas as Emergency Response Intensifies
Bejaia remains a focal point of the wildfire crisis, with numerous municipalities affected along the coast. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune dispatched the Minister of Health, Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene, to oversee firefighting and medical operations in the region. The officials visited Souk El Tenine hospital, where medical teams are treating burn victims and other fire-related injuries. Emergency services continue their support for communities near active fire zones across the province.
The president’s directive prompted a coordinated effort among government agencies to manage firefighting, evacuations, and medical aid throughout northeastern Algeria. The Interior Ministry collaborated with local authorities and emergency units to allocate resources swiftly to areas facing immediate threats. Both aerial and ground support have been employed to monitor fire spread near populated zones, with the Interior Ministry maintaining ongoing coordination as firefighting activities persist across multiple provinces.
Extreme Heatwave Exacerbates the Summer Fire Threat
The outbreak of wildfires coincided with an intense heatwave affecting Algeria and surrounding North African regions. Summer fires are common in northern Algeria, especially within Mediterranean forested areas and mountainous zones dotted with settlements. The recent emergency impacted several provinces simultaneously, demanding a comprehensive national response. Authorities remain vigilant, monitoring active hotspots as teams work to contain the flames and safeguard residents.
The confirmed death toll stands at 12, with 54 individuals injured and six in critical condition based on the latest updates. No final assessment has been issued yet regarding the extent of damage to forests, farmland, residential structures, or other property. Firefighting units continue suppression efforts and support evacuations while tracking remaining active fires. The focus remains on northeastern Algeria, including Bejaia, Jijel, Tizi Ouzou, and Skikda.