August 27, 2026

At least 12 people have died after wildfires spread across several provinces in Algeria, with authorities reporting dozens of additional burn injuries as an intense heatwave continues to affect North Africa.

The deaths were reported late Wednesday by Algeria’s Interior Minister Said Sayoud. The casualties were recorded in three provinces particularly affected by the fires: five people died in Jijel, four in Bejaia and three in Tizi Ouzou.

The rapidly developing wildfire situation has placed emergency services under significant pressure as multiple fires have been reported across the country.

Dozens Suffer Burn Injuries

Authorities said the fires have also caused serious injuries. A total of 54 people were reported to have suffered burns, including six patients described as being in critical condition and receiving intensive care.

The number of injured highlights the danger faced by residents and emergency personnel as fires move through affected areas during exceptionally hot conditions.

Officials continue to deal with outbreaks in different locations while assessing the situation on the ground.

154 Wildfires Recorded in One Day

Algeria’s civil protection services recorded 154 wildfires nationwide on Wednesday, demonstrating the scale of the emergency.

Bejaia province alone reported 36 fires. Of those, 18 had been brought under control by the time of the report, while firefighting efforts continued elsewhere.

The large number of simultaneous incidents has made containment a major challenge for authorities, particularly in areas experiencing extreme heat.

Heatwave Adds to Fire Risk

The wildfire emergency comes as an exceptional heatwave affects North Africa, with Algeria and neighboring Tunisia among the countries experiencing the severe weather conditions.

High temperatures can increase the likelihood of vegetation drying out and allow fires to spread more quickly. In Algeria, the combination of extreme heat and numerous active fires has created difficult conditions for communities and emergency responders.

The latest deaths and injuries underscore the human impact of the ongoing wildfire crisis.

Authorities Continue Firefighting Operations

Civil protection teams remain engaged in efforts to contain fires across affected provinces. The number of fires brought under control may change as emergency crews continue operations and authorities reassess conditions.

Bejaia, Jijel and Tizi Ouzou have recorded the reported fatalities, while the nationwide fire count indicates that the emergency extends well beyond those three areas.

Officials are continuing to monitor the situation as the heatwave persists.

Algeria Faces a Major Wildfire Emergency

The scale of Wednesday’s incidents makes the latest outbreak a serious wildfire emergency for Algeria. With 12 fatalities, 54 burn injuries and 154 recorded fires, authorities face the difficult task of protecting communities while controlling fires across multiple provinces.

The situation also demonstrates how extreme heat can intensify the challenges associated with large-scale wildfires. Emergency services are continuing their response as Algeria remains under the influence of severe heat conditions across parts of North Africa.