ALGIERS: Devastating wildfires fueled by a heatwave have swept across northern Algeria, killing at least 15 people and injuring 26 others, leading to mass evacuations. The country is currently grappling with 97 fires spreading across 16 provinces, with the worst affected areas reported in Bejaia, Bouira, and Jijel, though most of the fires have been contained, as stated by the interior ministry.
Driven by strong winds and scorching temperatures reaching 48 degrees Celsius (118 Fahrenheit), the wildfires have ravaged residential areas, posing significant threats to human life and property. Approximately 1,500 individuals have been evacuated from the provinces situated east of the capital, Algiers, according to the ministry.
Responding to the crisis, a massive mobilization effort has been launched, with 7,500 firefighters and 350 firetrucks engaged in combating the flames, supplemented by aerial fire-fighting support. Nevertheless, operations to extinguish fires in six provinces are ongoing, and the ministry urges citizens to avoid affected areas and report any new blazes through designated toll-free numbers.
The civil protection services remain committed to the situation until all fires are completely extinguished, the ministry assured.
Frequent Summer Fires in Algeria
Summer fires in Algeria are not uncommon, often sweeping through areas of vegetation, but this year, the situation has been exacerbated by extreme heat waves affecting several Mediterranean countries, resulting in record-breaking temperatures.
In August 2022, massive blazes in Algeria’s northeastern El Tarf province claimed 37 lives. These recurring fire incidents highlight the need for vigilant monitoring and timely action to mitigate the impact of wildfires, which have historically posed severe challenges to the nation’s safety and environmental well-being.
