Algeria Wildfires Rage Amid Intense Heatwave, Leaving Dozens Dead and Thousands Displaced

Algeria is grappling with a devastating wildfire crisis as an intense heatwave continues to scorch the region, pushing temperatures beyond 48°C (118°F) and fueling widespread forest fires. The country’s northern and eastern provinces have been hit hardest, with up to 97 separate fires reported across 16 provinces, including Boumerdes, Tizi Ouzou, Skikda, Bejaia, and Bouira. The government has deployed more than 8,000 firefighters, supported by hundreds of firetrucks and aerial response teams, in an effort to contain the flames.

The human toll has been severe. At least 34 people have lost their lives, including 10 soldiers who were battling fires in high-risk areas. Thousands more have been affected, with approximately 1,500 people forced to evacuate their homes due to encroaching fires. Entire communities have watched as homes, farmland, and forests were reduced to ashes within hours. Witnesses describe the blazes as "walls of fire" moving with incredible speed, driven by hot, dry winds and tinderbox conditions in the countryside.

Authorities have launched investigations into the origins of the fires, amid concerns that some may have been deliberately set or worsened by negligence. Algeria’s wildfire preparedness has come under renewed scrutiny, especially after similar deadly outbreaks in recent years. Despite prior government pledges to improve fire-fighting capacity, critics say gaps remain particularly in aerial firefighting resources and early warning systems.

This year’s fires come amid a broader regional heatwave affecting much of North Africa and southern Europe. The Mediterranean basin is increasingly identified as a climate change hotspot, experiencing more frequent and intense heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires. Environmental experts warn that these recurring disasters are a sign of escalating climate risk in the region, urging countries like Algeria to strengthen infrastructure, invest in rapid response capabilities, and adopt long-term climate resilience strategies.

As temperatures are forecast to remain dangerously high in the coming days, the threat of new fires looms large. Residents in vulnerable areas are being advised to remain alert and follow evacuation orders. Meanwhile, firefighters, volunteers, and aid organizations continue to battle both the flames and the extreme conditions, racing to protect lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems from further destruction.