Civil Protection services (الحماية المدنية) in Algeria recorded 70 fires across several governorates over the past 24 hours. These widespread incidents, impacting various regions across the country, were reported between July 6 and July 7, 2026, with the reporting period concluding at 7 AM. The fires encompassed a diverse range of landscapes and resources, including forests, bushes, scrublands, agricultural crops, fruit trees, and palm trees. Of the total incidents, 69 fires were completely extinguished during the same 24-hour period, according to official reports released by the Civil Protection services. These rapid containment efforts highlight the significant response mounted by emergency services across the nation.
Scope of the Outbreaks
The blazes affected numerous parts of Algeria, showcasing the broad geographical impact of the incidents. Fires impacting forests and bushes were reported and subsequently brought under full control in the governorates of Béjaïa, Tizi Ouzou, Tlemcen, Sétif, Skikda, Khenchela, Souk Ahras, and Annaba. These areas experienced significant challenges due to the nature of the terrain and vegetation, but emergency teams successfully managed to bring the situations under control.
Beyond natural vegetation, other regions experienced blazes that specifically damaged agricultural crops, fruit trees, and palm trees, posing a threat to local livelihoods and food production. Governorates affected by these agricultural fires included Tiaret, Chlef, Guelma, Médéa, Sidi Bel Abbès, Oum El Bouaghi, Saïda, Mila, Constantine, M'Sila, Ouargla, Adrar, Timimoun, and Taghit. The varied nature of the fires, from dense forests to cultivated lands, shows the extensive reach and diverse challenges faced by emergency responders across Algeria's varied landscapes. The prompt response led to the extinguishment of the vast majority of these fires within the reporting timeframe.
Ongoing Efforts in Sidi Bel Abbès
While most fires were extinguished, intervention teams continue their operations to extinguish a persistent forest fire located in the Qati area, specifically within the Al-Hayara forest, in the municipality of Sidi Ali Ben Youb, Sidi Bel Abbès Governorate. This particular incident remains a priority for the Civil Protection services. Firefighting efforts in Sidi Bel Abbès have received key aerial support to bolster ground operations. Two AT-802 aircraft were deployed to assist ground crews in battling the blaze in the Al-Hayara forest. These specialized aircraft conducted a total of four sorties over the affected area, providing critical aid through water drops and reconnaissance to contain and battle the blaze. The sustained presence of both ground teams and aerial assets shows the ongoing nature of the incident in this region, differentiating it from the 69 fires reported as fully extinguished across other governorates during the same period. The coordinated efforts aim to fully suppress this remaining significant fire.
Context and Impact
The widespread fires in Algeria impacted a diverse range of landscapes, including forests, bushes, and scrublands, which are vital ecological zones. Beyond natural vegetation, the blazes also affected agricultural areas, causing damage to various crops, fruit trees, and palm trees, which are essential for the local economy and food security. This range of affected areas notes the broad ecological and economic impact of the incidents across the country. The rapid response and control of the majority of the fires within 24 hours demonstrate the preparedness and efficiency of the Civil Protection services in managing such widespread emergencies. The ongoing efforts in Sidi Bel Abbès reflect the commitment to fully resolve all fire incidents.