ALGERIA / RankWire.AI / – Wildfires have swept through northeastern Algeria, resulting in at least 12 fatalities and 54 injuries amid a severe heatwave. Interior Minister Said Sayoud reported that five people died in Jijel, four in Bejaia, and three in Tizi Ouzou. Six of the injured remain in critical condition due to burns and need intensive medical treatment. The fires have spread across several northern provinces, where emergency teams continue operations in forested areas and nearby residential neighborhoods.
By Wednesday evening, authorities recorded at least 159 vegetation fires across multiple provinces. Firefighting units worked across a wide region. Officials said 90 fires had been put out, but 69 were still burning. Bejaia had 18 active fires, Skikda 13, and Tizi Ouzou 12. Jijel faced seven active fires as teams focused on protecting homes and infrastructure from the flames.
Algeria’s Civil Protection mobilized ground crews, mobile units, helicopters, and firefighting aircraft to strengthen efforts in the most affected zones. Air support included Air Tractor AT-802 planes and a BE-200 water bomber for aerial suppression. Authorities evacuated residents from communities at risk as smoke and advancing fires disrupted daily routines. Civil Protection coordinated with local officials across the impacted provinces to manage field operations.
Emergency teams prioritize the most affected regions
Bejaia remains a key focus as fires hit several coastal municipalities. Sayoud traveled there with Health Minister Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene to review firefighting efforts and hospital treatments. They visited Souk El Tenine hospital, where medical teams treated burn victims and those with fire-related injuries. Support continues in communities near active fire zones throughout the province.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune authorized the ministerial visit. The government coordinated firefighting, evacuations, and medical aid across northeastern Algeria. The Interior Ministry partnered with local authorities and emergency crews to allocate resources to high-risk communities. Both aerial and ground units monitored fire movements near populated areas. The Interior Ministry maintained emergency coordination as operations persisted across several provinces.
Summer heatwave intensifies wildfire response challenges
The fires coincided with a severe heatwave impacting Algeria and neighboring North African regions. Summer wildfires are common in Algeria’s Mediterranean forests, especially in mountainous zones with scattered settlements. The recent outbreak affected multiple provinces simultaneously, prompting a nationwide response. Authorities kept watch on active hotspots as teams worked to contain the flames and safeguard residents.
The death toll remains at 12, with 54 injured and six in critical condition. No final damage assessment has been released regarding forests, farmland, or property. Fire crews continue suppression and evacuation efforts as authorities track remaining active fires. The crisis remains concentrated in northeastern Algeria, specifically in Bejaia, Jijel, Tizi Ouzou, and Skikda.