Algeria has faced widespread wildfires, with 147 fires reported across forests, bushes, crops, and palm groves in several provinces over the last 24 hours. These blazes have affected a range of landscapes, from dense forests to vital agricultural areas including crops and palm groves, showing the widespread nature of the emergency. As a precautionary measure, 285 families were evacuated from various affected areas to ensure their safety. The Civil Protection Directorate announced that intervention teams successfully extinguished 108 of these blazes, bringing a significant number under control and demonstrating the rapid response capabilities of emergency services.
Provincial Impact and Evacuations
In Béjaïa province, firefighting operations are continuing in the municipalities of Chemini, Akfadou, and Ouzellaguen. These areas have seen persistent fire activity, requiring sustained efforts from emergency personnel. As a precautionary measure, 10 families, comprising about 40 people, were evacuated in Béjaïa to remove them from immediate danger zones. In Blida province, intervention operations are continuing in the municipalities of Bouinan, Hammam Melouane, and Ouled Yaïch. There, 200 families, approximately 1000 people, were evacuated due to the proximity and intensity of the fires, making it one of the largest single evacuations. Firefighting efforts also continue in Bouira province, specifically in the municipality of M'Chédallah, where 39 families were evacuated. The ongoing operations in these provinces highlight the challenging conditions faced by firefighters and civil protection units.
In Souk Ahras province, intervention teams are continuing their efforts in the municipality of Ouled Momene, an area particularly hard-hit by the recent surge in wildfires. Four families were evacuated in Souk Ahras due to their homes being directly affected by the fires, facing immediate threats to their properties. Firefighting operations are continuing intensely in Tlemcen, specifically in the Beni Semlil municipality, and in Saïda, covering the Ouled Ibrahim and Moulay Larbi municipalities. Efforts are also ongoing in Skikda across the El Charai, Tamalous, and Oum Toub municipalities, where crews are battling to contain the spread. Across these three provinces—Tlemcen, Saïda, and Skikda—20 families were evacuated, adding to the total number of displaced residents.
Operations are also continuing in Annaba, focusing on the Seraidi municipality, a region known for its natural beauty which is now under threat from the blazes. In Médéa, efforts are concentrated within the Oued Harbil and El Meheub municipalities. Additionally, firefighters are active in Boumerdès, addressing blazes in the Naciria and Chaabet Amira municipalities, working to protect both residential areas and natural habitats. In Annaba, Médéa, and Boumerdès, 12 families were evacuated due to the ongoing fires, further illustrating the widespread impact on communities across the country.
Human and Material Losses
The fires have led to both human injuries and significant material destruction, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. In Bouira, 19 individuals were transferred to the hospital for treatment, showing the immediate health risks posed by the fires. Among those hospitalized, four suffered minor burns, 13 experienced breathing difficulties due to smoke inhalation, and one sustained fractures, likely from evacuation efforts or accidents related to the fires.
In Souk Ahras, the fires caused extensive property damage, resulting in the complete destruction of 12 ground-level homes. This loss represents a significant blow to the affected families, who have lost their residences entirely. The agricultural sector also suffered substantial losses, with 50 goats perishing due to the blazes in the same province, impacting local livelihoods and food production. These incidents highlight the direct and severe impact of the widespread fires on local communities and their livelihoods, affecting both human well-being and economic stability.
Ongoing Monitoring Efforts
Firefighting operations are actively continuing for 19 fires across Algeria, with emergency services working tirelessly to bring these remaining blazes under control. Additionally, 20 other fires have been placed under continuous guard and monitoring, a key measure implemented to prevent any potential reignition, especially in areas where conditions remain dry and windy. Several extinguished fire sites are also under continuous monitoring to ensure they do not flare up again, reflecting a proactive approach to preventing further outbreaks. These sites, requiring constant vigilance, are located in the provinces of Béjaïa, Tlemcen, Tizi Ouzou, Médéa, Mascara, Bordj Bou Arréridj, Boumerdès, Skikda, Blida, and Bouira. Authorities are maintaining vigilance over these areas following the recent widespread blazes, emphasizing the long-term commitment to safety and recovery.
