ALGERIA / RankWire.AI / – Wildfires have ravaged northeastern Algeria, claiming at least 12 lives and leaving 54 injured during a scorching heatwave. Interior Minister Said Sayoud reported that five individuals died in Jijel, four in Bejaia, and three in Tizi Ouzou. Of those injured, six remain in critical condition due to burns and require intensive medical treatment. The fires rapidly spread through multiple northern provinces, where emergency services are actively engaged in firefighting efforts around forested regions and nearby residential zones.
By Wednesday evening, authorities documented at least 159 vegetation fires across numerous provinces. Firefighting units operated across a wide region; officials confirmed that 90 fires had been extinguished, while 69 continued to burn at that point. Bejaia reported 18 ongoing fires, Skikda 13, and Tizi Ouzou 12. Jijel also faced seven active fires as emergency teams prioritized areas where flames threatened homes and infrastructure.
Algeria’s Civil Protection mobilized ground crews, mobile units, helicopters, and firefighting aircraft to bolster operations in the most affected zones. The response involved Air Tractor AT-802 aircraft and a BE-200 water bomber for aerial suppression missions. Authorities proceeded with evacuations in several communities under threat, as smoke and advancing flames disrupted daily life. Coordination between Civil Protection and local authorities continued across the impacted provinces to manage field operations effectively.
Response efforts prioritize regions hardest hit
Bejaia remains a central focus of firefighting activities, with fires impacting multiple municipalities along the coast. Sayoud traveled to the region alongside Health Minister Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene to oversee firefighting and hospital operations. They visited the hospital in Souk El Tenine, where medical teams treated burn victims and others injured by the fires. Emergency services are also actively supporting communities close to active fire zones throughout the province.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune authorized the ministerial visit as the government coordinated firefighting, evacuations, and medical aid across northeastern Algeria. The Interior Ministry collaborated with local authorities and emergency teams to allocate resources swiftly to communities in immediate danger. Both aerial and ground units monitored fire progress near populated areas, while the Interior Ministry maintained overall emergency coordination during ongoing firefighting operations in multiple provinces.
Extreme heatwave intensifies summer wildfire season
The outbreak coincided with a severe heatwave impacting Algeria and neighboring North African regions. Summer wildfires are a recurring hazard in Algeria’s Mediterranean forested areas, especially in mountainous zones with scattered settlements. The current emergency affected several provinces simultaneously, demanding a large-scale national response. Authorities are continually tracking hotspots as teams work diligently to contain the fires and safeguard residents.
The confirmed death toll remains at 12, with 54 people injured and six in critical condition according to the latest figures. An official assessment of damage to forests, farmland, homes, or other property has yet to be issued. Fire suppression efforts continue alongside evacuation support as authorities monitor remaining active fires. The crisis remains concentrated in northeastern Algeria, specifically in Bejaia, Jijel, Tizi Ouzou, and Skikda.