Algerians Watch in Fear as Deadly Wildfires Rage Through the Night

Residents in parts of northern Algeria spent a terrifying night watching flames tear through forests and vegetation as a wave of deadly wildfires swept across several provinces amid an intense heatwave.

At least 12 people have been killed and 54 others injured in the fires, according to Algeria’s Interior Minister Said Sayoud. Six of the injured were reported to be in critical condition.

The fatalities were recorded in three northeastern provinces: five in Jijel, four in Béjaïa and three in Tizi Ouzou, according to the Interior Ministry. Among those killed were an eight-year-old boy and a 22-year-old woman, according to local reports.

Algeria’s Civil Protection services recorded 154 wildfire outbreaks across the country on Wednesday, with Béjaïa among the worst-hit areas.

Thirty-six fires were reported in Béjaïa alone, with 18 brought under control while firefighting operations continued against the remaining blazes. Fires were also reported in Jijel, Tizi Ouzou, Skikda and other provinces.

The fires forced dozens of families to leave their homes as flames approached residential areas. Some residents sought refuge in public buildings as thick smoke covered communities.

Three major highways linking eastern parts of the country were also closed as firefighters battled blazes fuelled by strong winds.

The wildfires erupted as a severe heatwave gripped Algeria and neighbouring Tunisia, creating dangerous conditions for the rapid spread of flames.

Northern Algeria regularly experiences destructive wildfires during the summer, but experts and authorities have increasingly linked worsening fire conditions to extreme heat, drought and changing climate patterns.

The latest disaster comes after Algeria suffered further deadly fires earlier in the summer. Xinhua reported that wildfires in recent months had already killed more than 20 people and destroyed forests, farmland and homes.

Interior Minister Said Sayoud travelled to Béjaïa with Health Minister Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaouden to assess firefighting operations and inspect the condition of injured victims.

Civil Protection teams, firefighters and other emergency personnel have been working to contain the flames while authorities evacuate people from areas considered at risk.

As darkness fell, residents in affected communities watched huge flames illuminate the night sky, while emergency crews continued their efforts to prevent the fires from spreading further.

Authorities have yet to declare the crisis over, with firefighting operations continuing in several areas.