Alarming Rise in Wildfires Across Algeria
Since July 8, Algeria has witnessed a staggering surge in wildfires, with the Algerian civil protection agency and the Ministry of Agriculture reporting over 1,550 blazes across the country. On Wednesday, July 22, alone, 138 fires erupted simultaneously in approximately 15 provinces, highlighting the severity of the situation. Despite the deployment of extensive rescue teams, many fire hotspots remain active, particularly in the northeastern regions. Tragically, at least six individuals have lost their lives due to the fires, including three volunteer helpers in the province of Constantine, who perished while trying to protect their community.
Emergency Response and Investigations Underway
The situation is particularly critical in the provinces of Constantine, Skikda, Souk Ahras, Béjaïa, and El Tarf. To prevent the flames from encroaching on residential areas and agricultural land, authorities in the affected Wilayas have activated the ORSEC emergency plan. Hundreds of firefighters and units from the National People's Army (ANP) are on the front lines, supported by firefighting aircraft such as the AT-802 and heavy military helicopters including the Beriev BE-200 and Mi-26. In several towns, including Aïn Smara and Souk Ahras, as well as Seraïdi near Annaba, residents and patients from hospitals have been evacuated as a precautionary measure.
In addition to the extreme summer temperatures, authorities are investigating potential criminal activities as a contributing factor to the wildfires. According to the public prosecutor's office in Algiers, the national anti-terror unit has detained four individuals for allegedly starting fires intentionally in the province of Constantine.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune praised the efforts of the rescue teams, the army, and dedicated citizens in an official message. He expressed his gratitude to the responders and assured them that their commitment to protecting lives and forests would be acknowledged.
The series of fires in Algeria is part of an extreme heat wave affecting the entire western Mediterranean region. In neighboring Tunisia, the civil protection agency recorded around 900 fires within three days amid temperatures soaring up to 49 °C. Southern Europe, particularly France, Spain, and Italy, is also grappling with unprecedented wildfires, leading to the evacuation of tens of thousands of individuals and the tragic loss of several rescue workers. Efforts to extinguish and cool the affected areas in Algeria continue, with persistent winds increasing the risk of new outbreaks.
As reported by maghreb-post.de.
