Wildfires in Northeastern Algeria Result in 12 Deaths and 54 Injuries

At least 12 people have died and 54 others have been injured due to wildfires in northeastern Algeria, according to an official statement. The wildfires have prompted authorities to evacuate dozens of families from the most affected areas. Minister of Interior Said Sayoud reported on Wednesday that the fatalities occurred in the provinces of Jijel, Bejaia, and Tizi Ouzou. Specifically, five deaths were recorded in Jijel, four in Bejaia, and three in Tizi Ouzou. Sayoud made these comments during a visit to a hospital in Souk El Thenine, Bejaia, where he assessed the treatment of victims suffering from burn injuries and smoke inhalation. The Algeria Press Service cited Sayoud as saying that there were 54 burn cases at the hospital, with six individuals in critical condition. Civil Protection teams reported 154 fire outbreaks across Algeria on Wednesday, including 36 in Bejaia province, of which 18 had been brought under control. The wildfires are occurring amid a severe heatwave affecting Algeria and neighboring Tunisia. Sayoud noted that firefighting teams have contained fires in Skikda, El Tarf, Bouira, Tizi Ouzou, and Tebessa, while operations continue in Bejaia, where 18 hotspots remain active, and in Jijel, where fires are ongoing in 12 municipalities. He also mentioned that dozens of families have been evacuated from the fire-affected areas. Images from Jijel News showed residents taking refuge in a post office due to thick smoke. Algeria experiences seasonal wildfires during the summer months, with at least six fatalities reported last month. Recent years have seen intensified fire risks due to heatwaves, strong winds, drought, and climate change affecting the Mediterranean coastline.