At least 12 dead as wildfires ravage northeastern Algeria

At least 12 people died and 54 others were injured on Wednesday as wildfires swept through northeastern Algeria. Interior Minister Said Sayoud reported that five deaths occurred in Jijel province, four in Bejaia, and three in Tizi Ouzou. Among the injured are 54 people with burns, six of whom are in critical condition at the Souk El Tenine hospital in Bejaia. Local reports from Radio Soummam indicated that the victims in Bejaia included a woman aged 22 and a boy aged 8.

Civil Protection services recorded 154 fire outbreaks across the country on Wednesday alone. In Bejaia, 36 fires were reported, with 18 brought under control. Fires in the provinces of Skikda, El Tarf, Bouira, Tizi Ouzou, and Tebessa have been contained, while operations continue in Bejaia and Jijel. Authorities evacuated dozens of families from affected residential areas, and the gendarmerie closed three major national roads connecting eastern regions near Bejaia, Jijel, and Setif.

The blazes occurred during a severe heatwave affecting Algeria and Tunisia. Sources note that the Mediterranean coastline frequently suffers from seasonal wildfires exacerbated by drought and climate change. In July 2023, more than 30 people died in fires in the Bejaia region, and six people died during a wave of fires last month. Investigations into previous fires have led to arrests of suspects for arson.

Reporting on the event varied by political lean. Center left outlets emphasized the role of climate change and the history of arson investigations. Center right coverage highlighted the solidarity of the Algerian people and the efficiency of the state response in preventing a higher death toll.