In brief
An estimated 12 people lost their lives and 54 suffered burn injuries as a series of 69 wildfires scorched northern Algeria, prompting the Interior Minister to travel to the Bejaia region to assess firefighting efforts. The outbreaks were triggered by an unprecedented heatwave that has engulfed North Africa, with the World Meteorological Organization noting a 0.43°C per decade rise in the area. Civil protection agencies report that many homes in Bejaia and Jijel were evacuated, and that the region's climate has been exacerbating fire intensity, as seen in the previous devastating fires in 2023 that killed 30 people. The heatwave and water shortages have also led to increased camel deaths, underscoring the broader environmental risks facing the region.
At least 12 dead as wildfires sweep through northern Algeria
At least 12 people have been killed and dozens injured as wildfires burn through large swathes of northern Algeria.
Civil protection authorities reported that dozens of blazes swept through several provinces along the country's northern coastline, with victims suffering burn injuries and some being treated in intensive care.
Interior Minister Said Sayoud announced that five people died in Jijel province, four in Bejaïa and three in Tizi Ouzou, and that he had travelled to Bejaïa with Health Minister Mohamed Seddik Aït Messaoudene to assess local firefighting and evacuation efforts.
The Bejaïa region saw devastating fires tear through forest and farmland three years ago when 30 people were killed. Last month authorities recorded at least six deaths caused by fires, with crews battling more than 2,000 blazes across Algeria in July alone.
Climate Pressure
North Africa is experiencing the most rapid warming of the six African subregions, with the World Meteorological Organization reporting a 0.43°C per decade increase between 1991 and 2025. This rising heat and water shortages are already contributing to increased camel deaths during summer heatwaves in Algeria.
Firefighters were battling 69 blazes across the country, the civil protection agency noted earlier on Wednesday evening. Many homes in Bejaïa and Jijel were evacuated, with residents taking refuge in a post office as thick clouds of smoke billowed around them.
