12 Dead, 159 Fires Across Algeria: What’s Happening in 16 Provinces?
Algeria wildfires have killed 12 people as firefighting and precautionary evacuations continue across several provinces after flames spread into residential areas in parts of the country’s east.
Algerian Interior, Local Authorities and Transport Minister Said Sayoud said five of the victims were killed in Jijel province, four in Bejaia and three in Tizi Ouzou.
In its latest operational update, Algeria’s Civil Protection service reported 159 vegetation fires across 16 provinces. Ninety had been extinguished, while efforts continued to bring 69 under control.
Algeria wildfires: Where were the fatalities reported?
The reported deaths were spread across three provinces in northern Algeria. Jijel recorded the highest toll with five fatalities, followed by Bejaia with four and Tizi Ouzou with three.
The death toll was announced as Civil Protection crews continued battling the fires while authorities evacuated residents from some threatened areas.
The developments show that the emergency is no longer defined solely by the number of fire outbreaks, with protecting residential areas and moving residents away from the path of the flames becoming a major part of the response.
159 fires across 16 provinces: What do the latest figures show?
The latest Civil Protection figures put the total number of vegetation fires at 159, with 90 extinguished and firefighting operations continuing to bring 69 under control.
The fires were spread across 16 provinces in eastern Algeria. Skikda recorded seven fires, while El Tarf and Jijel each reported five, Annaba four and Bejaia three, with additional outbreaks reported in other provinces.
An earlier update had reported 154 fires in a single day. The difference between the two figures reflects the rapidly changing situation on the ground, meaning figures for active or contained fires should be viewed according to the time each update was issued.
Fires reach residential areas as precautionary evacuations begin
Emergency operations expanded as the flames approached populated areas. In Jijel province, authorities carried out precautionary evacuations in the municipalities of Ouled Yahia Khedrouche and Chekfa after fires reached residential areas.
Evacuations also included two recreational parks and a number of families in El Tarf province, while efforts continued to protect homes in Ain Kerma and tackle fires that threatened residences in Annaba.
Civil Protection deployed aerial and ground resources to fight fires in several provinces while carrying out precautionary operations to protect residents and property.
Where are firefighting operations concentrated?
Firefighting operations continued across several eastern provinces, including Skikda, Constantine, Bejaia, Tebessa and Batna. At some fire sites, Civil Protection reported that the intensity of the flames had eased and that there was no immediate danger.
The operations require continuous monitoring because fire conditions can change with the weather, terrain and direction of the flames, particularly when outbreaks are close to populated areas.
In a similar regional context, Profile News has also covered developments in France’s wildfires and efforts to bring the flames under control, during a season that has placed growing pressure on firefighting crews in different regions.
Temperatures reach up to 49 degrees Celsius in some areas
The fires coincided with an intense heat wave. Weather authorities had warned of rising temperatures in several provinces on Wednesday and Thursday, with maximum temperatures expected to reach 49 degrees Celsius, or about 120 degrees Fahrenheit, in some areas.
Extreme heat, drought and wind can create conditions that help wildfires spread and intensify. However, conditions that aid the spread of fire should be distinguished from the direct cause of each individual ignition.
In the broader regional context, Profile News has examined climate risks and wildfires across the Mediterranean region amid recurring heat waves and drought in parts of the region.
Nearly 4,000 fires recorded since early May
Earlier Civil Protection data pointed to an active wildfire season even before the current August outbreak. From the beginning of May through July 20, 2026, about 4,000 fires were recorded.
By comparison, about 1,501 fires were recorded during the same period in 2025, representing an increase of approximately 167%, according to the published data.
Those cumulative figures should be distinguished from the current tally of 159 fires because the figures cover different periods.
Authorities investigate suspected arson
Alongside firefighting operations, authorities announced the arrest of 11 people suspected of involvement in starting fires in several provinces.
According to published information, the suspects were placed in pretrial detention pending investigations into allegations involving acts that endangered people’s lives, safety and property, as well as deliberately setting fire to state-owned forest land.
The investigations do not mean that all of the recorded fires were deliberately started. Determining the cause of each fire requires a separate investigation and official findings.
Are the wildfires linked to climate change?
Northern Algeria experiences wildfires during the summer months, while extreme heat waves and drought can increase conditions favorable to the spread of fire.
However, an individual wildfire cannot automatically be attributed to climate change without scientific analysis specific to the event. It is important to distinguish between the direct cause of ignition and climatic or environmental conditions that may make vegetation more flammable or help flames spread.
Other countries have also experienced major wildfires in 2026. In North America, Profile News has covered developments and the impact of Canada’s 2026 wildfires, although conditions and the scale of the fires vary from one region to another.
Algeria wildfires: What will determine how the crisis develops?
The priority for emergency crews remains bringing the remaining fires under control, protecting residential areas and carrying out evacuations when necessary.
The latest figures illustrate the scale of the challenge on the ground: 12 deaths across Jijel, Bejaia and Tizi Ouzou, and 159 vegetation fires across 16 provinces, with 90 extinguished and operations continuing to control 69.
As the Algeria wildfires continue, weather conditions, the movement of the flames, the progress of firefighting operations and the protection of populated areas will remain key factors shaping the crisis. Operational figures may change as new official updates are released.
How many people have died in the Algeria wildfires?
The reported death toll stands at 12. Interior, Local Authorities and Transport Minister Said Sayoud said five people were killed in Jijel province, four in Bejaia and three in Tizi Ouzou. Civil Protection crews continue to fight the fires and carry out precautionary evacuations in threatened areas as the situation develops.
How many fires have been recorded in Algeria?
The latest Civil Protection figures showed 159 vegetation fires across 16 provinces in eastern Algeria. Authorities said 90 had been extinguished, while operations continued to control 69. An earlier tally had reported 154 fires, meaning the figures vary according to the timing of operational updates.
Have the firefighting operations ended?
No. According to the latest published figures, firefighting operations were continuing in several provinces alongside precautionary evacuations and efforts to protect threatened residential areas. Civil Protection deployed aerial and ground resources in its response. Because conditions are changing rapidly, the number of active fires may rise or fall as crews make progress and new updates emerge.
Sources
- Al Jazeera – Death toll, latest fire figures, affected provinces, evacuations, heat wave and wildfire season data: 12 killed in Algeria wildfires as flames approach residential areas
- Sky News Arabia – Earlier coverage reporting 154 fires in a single day: 154 fires in one day as Algeria battles the flames
