Algeria mobilizes emergency teams as wildfires spread across the country

Algerian authorities have ordered the immediate return of civil protection personnel across 45 provinces after more than 100 wildfires broke out during an intense heat wave. The move is aimed at strengthening emergency response efforts as firefighters continue battling blazes that have spread across forests, farmland and residential areas.

The Civil Protection Directorate announced that all personnel in the affected provinces, along with members of the National Training and Intervention Unit, must report to their duty stations without delay. Officials said the decision was taken to increase preparedness and provide additional support to firefighting teams working in some of the country’s hardest hit regions.

The emergency order came after Algeria’s National Meteorological Office warned that temperatures could climb to 48 degrees Celsius or even higher in several parts of the country through at least Sunday. The extreme weather has created dangerous conditions that allow fires to spread quickly, making containment efforts more difficult for emergency crews.

According to official figures released on Thursday evening, authorities had recorded 111 fires affecting forests, brushland, agricultural fields and palm groves. Firefighters managed to bring 65 of the blazes under control, but 46 remained active across 18 provinces, requiring continued operations on the ground and in the air.

Large scale firefighting efforts are underway in several provinces, including Bejaia, Annaba, Skikda, Blida, Tizi Ouzou, Boumerdes, Ain Defla and Tlemcen. Emergency teams are receiving support from firefighting aircraft and helicopters as they work to stop the flames from spreading further and protect nearby communities.

Authorities have also carried out precautionary evacuations in areas where fires threatened homes and villages. In Bejaia province, around 100 residents were evacuated from two villages in the Imarat area of Barbacha municipality. Another 200 people were moved to safer locations in Blida as firefighters worked to contain nearby fires.

In Skikda province, about 10 families were evacuated from the Kanoua area, while additional families were relocated from Oued Zeggar, El Eulma and Oum Toub. Six families were also evacuated in Bouira province as a safety measure.

Several families living in the municipalities of Isser and Naciria in Boumerdes were temporarily evacuated before being allowed to return once the situation improved. In Guelma province, authorities relocated 13 families, totaling around 70 people, to protect them from the advancing fires.

Officials said one of the most serious situations remains in Ain Defla province, where a wildfire continues to threaten homes and other property. Firefighters are still working in the area to prevent further damage and bring the blaze under control.

Algeria has faced several days of extreme heat, with soaring temperatures contributing to a surge in wildfires across the country. Civil protection teams, supported by both air and ground units, remain on high alert as they continue efforts to protect lives, homes and farmland.

Wildfires have become a recurring challenge for Algeria in recent years, particularly during periods of intense summer heat. Previous fire seasons have claimed dozens of lives, injured many others and destroyed vast stretches of forests and vegetation. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely while urging residents in affected areas to follow safety instructions and cooperate with emergency services.