Wildfires Kill Dozens in Algeria as Heatwave Bites Northern Africa

Wildfires have swept through several provinces along northern Algeria's coastline, killing at least 12 people and injuring dozens more.

Civil protection authorities said dozens of blazes burned through several provinces in the region, with many homes evacuated due to the danger. For related coverage, explore our detailed analysis on Technology and Digital Systems.

Fatal Blazes Sweep Through Northern Provinces

Interior Minister Stated Sayoud stated that five people were killed in Jijel province, four in Bejaia, and three in Tizi Ouzou.

Firefighters have been battling 69 blazes across the country, with the Bejaia region seeing devastating fires tear through forest and farmland.

The Algerian Health Minister Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene has joined Interior Minister Sayoud in assessing local firefighting efforts in Bejaia, where many homes were evacuated due to the danger.

Fighting Devastating Wildfires

Rising heat and water shortages have also led to an increase in camel deaths during summer heatwaves in Algeria, a recent study revealed.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) stated that extreme heat had become common in North Africa, a region that has seen the most rapid warming of the six subregions of Africa – 0.43C per decade – between 1991 and 2025.

Northern Africa is sweltering under a severe heatwave, with Tunisia and Algeria particularly affected.

The region has seen rapid warming in recent years, with climate change exacerbating the intensity and severity of wildfires in the country.

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Firefighters battle a blaze in Algeria last month At least 12 people have been killed and dozens injured as wildfires burn through large swathes of northern Algeria.

Civil protection authorities stated dozens of blazes swept through several provinces along the country's northern coastline.

At least 54 people had suffered burn injuries, with at least six of them being treated in intensive care, Interior Minister Stated Sayoud stated on Wednesday night.

The deaths comes as northern Africa swelters under a severe heatwave, with Tunisia and Algeria particularly affected.

Sayoud stated five people were killed in Jijel province, four in Bejaia and three in Tizi Ouzou.

He has travelled to Bejaia with the Algerian Health Minister Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene to "assess" local firefighting and evacuation efforts, government authorities stated.