Algeria mourns 12 killed as wildfires devastate northeastern provinces

Algerian authorities report that a series of wildfires that erupted across the northeastern province of Jijel on Tuesday claimed 12 lives and left more than 150 fires burning across multiple provinces. At least 80 of those blazes are still active, but officials say fewer than a third of the total number remain uncontrolled.

The blaze that struck Jijel province, a region known for its dense Mediterranean scrub, forced residents to abandon homes and seek safety in nearby towns. Firefighters from the national fire service, supported by local volunteers, worked around the clock to contain the flames and rescue those trapped in their houses. The Department of Civil Protection has issued a statement that all available resources are being deployed to the most affected areas and that the situation is “under control” as of the late afternoon.

In addition to the 12 fatalities, authorities have confirmed at least 30 injuries, many of them severe burns and respiratory distress. Medical teams have been dispatched to local hospitals in Jijel, Biskra, and Constantine to treat the wounded. Several people were evacuated from the most heavily damaged neighborhoods and are currently housed in temporary shelters set up by the Ministry of Interior.

The wildfires began in the early hours of Tuesday when a combination of high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds created a perfect environment for vegetation to ignite. The cause of the fires has not yet been determined, but preliminary investigations suggest that a combination of accidental ignition and the region’s dry conditions played a role. The Ministry of Environment has called for a full investigation to determine the origin of the fires and to assess whether any preventive measures were overlooked.

Residents in Jijel and neighboring provinces are now inspecting the damage that has been inflicted on their homes and local infrastructure. In the village of Aïn El Hadjar, a group of neighbors gathered to assess the ruins of a family home that had been consumed by the blaze. Many of those present described a “night of terror” as the flames engulfed their streets. Local officials have urged residents to remain vigilant, as the hot, dry weather conditions are still present and could spark new fires.

The Algerian government has pledged to provide financial assistance to those who lost property and to support reconstruction efforts in the most affected areas. The Ministry of Finance has announced a relief package that will cover the cost of temporary housing, food, and medical care for the victims’ families. In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture has offered subsidies for farmers whose crops were destroyed by the fires.

The Ministry of Interior has also urged residents to report any suspicious fires or potential hazards that could spark new blazes. “We are asking everyone to help us prevent further loss of life and property,” the ministry said in a brief statement. “We are working closely with local fire departments and community leaders to monitor high-risk areas and to provide training on fire prevention.”

The wildfires have disrupted transportation and communication lines in the region. Several roads were closed for the duration of the fires, and some local radio stations were forced to suspend broadcasts. The national telecommunications company has restored most services, but some areas remain without coverage.

The Algerian National Fire Service is conducting a review of the incident to assess the response and to identify any shortcomings in the firefighting strategy. The review will consider the deployment of resources, the coordination between local and national agencies, and the adequacy of equipment and training. The findings are expected to be released in the coming weeks.

In the aftermath of the fires, community groups have organized vigils to honor the 12 people who lost their lives. The memorials have drawn hundreds of residents, many of whom lost family members or friends in the blaze. The Algerian government has pledged to support the mourning families and to provide counseling services.

As the country continues to recover from the devastation, officials stress that the priority remains to protect lives and to restore the affected communities. The Ministry of Environment and the National Fire Service are working together to strengthen fire prevention measures, including the creation of firebreaks, public education campaigns, and the deployment of early warning systems. The government’s commitment to improving emergency preparedness is intended to reduce the likelihood of a similar tragedy in the future.